Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Mekonnen Hailemariam (PhD), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Editor-in-Chief, AJIS
Email: arsuajis21@gmail.com
Dr. Mekonnen Hailemariam is an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism and Communication at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. He earned his Ph.D. in Media and Communication from Bahir Dar University in May 2022. He also holds a Master of Education in Multicultural and Multilingual Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Ethiopian Languages and Literature (Culture and Communication) from Addis Ababa University. Dr. Mekonnen has completed numerous professional development programs offered by prestigious international organizations and universities. He holds diplomas in Human Resource Management, Customer Service, Project Management, and Human Rights Education. His specialized training includes Online Teaching (Arizona State University), African Civic Engagement (University of Georgia), Conflict Analysis, Negotiation, and Conflict Management (United Nations Institute of Peace), Humanitarian Principles, Entrepreneurship, Human Rights Education, and Population Communication. These programs reflect his broad expertise in journalism, communication, civic engagement, project management, and development. Since joining Bahir Dar University in 2004, Dr. Mekonnen has served in various academic roles, including Assistant Graduate I & II, Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, and Assistant Professor (since June 2017). He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in journalism, media, and communication, supervised numerous M.A. theses and Ph.D. dissertations, and guided five capstone projects at FUSE, USA. His areas of expertise include journalism, media studies, public relations, communication, research, academic publishing, consultancy, and project management. Dr. Mekonnen’s research and community engagement focus on media, communication, public health, development communication, and social change. He has coordinated and supervised projects supported by Bahir Dar University’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Community Services. His contributions include drafting journal standards and policies for BDU and developing communication materials for the Amhara Development Association (ADA). Beyond academia, Dr. Mekonnen has coordinated and managed several development and community service projects. At ADA, he served as Project Coordinator for the Water Bottling Plant Project and led Community-Led Sanitation and Hygiene (CLTSH) initiatives. He also contributed to feasibility studies, project design, technical specifications, and resource mobilization for ADA and the Ethiopian Family Guidance Association (FGAE). As a volunteer liaison and focal person for FGAE, he facilitated project planning and implementation with national and international partners. Dr. Mekonnen has participated in numerous national and international workshops and conferences as a presenter, facilitator, trainer, and organizer. He co-facilitated the Fifth and Sixth National Youth Development Training Programs organized by the Ethiopian Ministry of Peace in collaboration with Bahir Dar University. He has also served as a life skills trainer for female university students and organized academic workshops and conferences. His professional engagements include participation in the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority’s Vaccine Safety Risk Communication validation workshop and presentations at conferences hosted by Hawassa University, Assosa University, Wolkite University, and Bahir Dar University. Dr. Mekonnen has held several leadership positions at Bahir Dar University. He previously served as Program Unit Coordinator for the Distance and Continuing Education Program and as Associate Editor and later Editor-in-Chief of The Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication. In 2018, Dr. Mekonnen was awarded a Ph.D. Research Fellowship under the NORPART Project (2016/10471), Enhancing Norway–Ethiopia Relations in Journalism and Communication Education and Research, at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, NLA University College, Kristiansand, Norway. Dr. Mekonnen has authored two books, one book chapter, and twenty-two peer-reviewed journal articles published in reputable international journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. His research interests include journalism, media and communication, development communication, digital media, public relations, health communication, social and behavior change communication, media effects, media literacy, political communication, and interdisciplinary communication studies.
Dr. Mekonnen continues to teach, conduct research, supervise graduate students, publish scholarly work, and provide professional consultancy in areas such as journal establishment, journalism, media, gender, conflict, communication, and development.
Haile Dereje (PhD), Amhara Region State University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Associate Editor, AJIS
Email: hdereje122@gmail.com
Dr. Haile Dereje is an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Public Policy Studies at Amhara Regional State University. He is an accomplished researcher, trainer, consultant, and public policy expert with extensive academic and professional experience in leadership, governance, organizational development, and policy studies. He holds a PhD in Leadership and Public Policy (Policy Studies specialization), a Master’s Degree in Social Psychology, and a Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree in Pedagogical Science from Bahir Dar University. His interdisciplinary academic background equips him with strong competencies in policy analysis, leadership, behavioral studies, research methodology, and public sector management. Professionally, Dr. Haile has built substantial experience in training, consultancy, research coordination, and institutional capacity building. He previously served as a Trainer, Consultant, and Researcher at Amhara Management Institute, where he designed and delivered both open and tailor-made training programs for government institutions, private organizations, and NGOs. His responsibilities included conducting Training Needs Assessments (TNA), developing training manuals, facilitating capacity-building programs, evaluating training outcomes, and supporting organizational reform initiatives. He also provided consultancy services in organizational structure design, organizational development, change management, institutional diagnosis, and service quality improvement. In addition, he conducted applied research in areas such as customer and employee satisfaction surveys, organizational culture assessments, organizational diagnosis, service delivery evaluations, and training effectiveness studies. Dr. Haile served as a lead researcher at the Amhara Regina State University, where he leads and coordinates multidisciplinary research projects addressing governance, development, and policy challenges in the Amhara Region and beyond. His core responsibilities include designing research frameworks, supervising data collection and analysis, managing research teams, ensuring ethical compliance, preparing policy-oriented research reports, and generating evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. He has led major regional research projects, including studies on corruption control in public institutions and livestock and fishery productivity and harmful traditional practices against women. In addition to his research leadership, Dr. Haile is actively engaged in teaching Master’s students in Public Policy and Leadership. He delivers graduate-level courses such as public policy analysis, leadership theory and practice, policy implementation, governance, research methods, and organizational management. His teaching emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based policy analysis, and the application of theory to real-world governance and development challenges. He also supervises postgraduate students, mentors academic research, and contributes to strengthening graduate education. Dr. Haile has also played a key role in academic publishing and editorial work. He fully coordinated the establishment process of the Amhara Regional State University Journal and is currently serving as an Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies. Through this role, he contributes to academic quality assurance, manuscript review processes, and the advancement of interdisciplinary research dissemination.
Section Editor (s), AJIS
Girma Ayalew Asegidew, Ph.D. in Management Studies, Amhara Region State University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: girmaayalew23@gmail.com
Dr. Girma Ayalew Asegidew is an assistant professor in the field of management studies at the Amhara Region State University in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Management Studies from Bahir Dar University (BDU), an MA in Project Management from Debre Markos University, a BA Degree in English from Wollo University, and a Management certificate from Source College. In addition to his higher education, he has continuously enhanced his professional competencies through various certifications and advanced trainings such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Digital Pedagogy, different software, Cyber security, Life skills, and CPD. Currently, Girma Ayalew Asegidew has been serving as an Assistant Professor, Instructor, and Research Advisor, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of management scholars and practitioners. He is known for his hands-on approach to mentoring students through complex research projects, fostering critical thinking, and promoting evidence-based decision-making within Ethiopia’s dynamic socio-economic context. Beyond teaching and advising, he has been actively contributing to the academic community as a journal establishing team member of the ARSU-Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies (AJIS). He has also been serving as a reviewer for several reputable journals. Girma Ayalew Asegidew has attended and presented his research findings at the 7th Annual National Conference prepared by GAGE University College and in different Seminars and Conferences at Bahir Dar University. In addition to his research and editorial work, he has been actively engaged in community-focused academic outreach. He has provided professional training on Digital Literacy and Digital Pedagogy to five secondary schools, aimed at improving the pass rate of grade 12 students, and so forth. These efforts reflect his dedication to extending the impact of higher education beyond university campuses. He is actively seeking collaborative research opportunities and institutional partnerships that leverage his expertise in management, research methodology, editorial review, and digital education.
Benegrew Walie Mengiste (PhD), Amhara Region State University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: benegrew@gmail.com
Dr. Benegrew Walie Mengiste is a Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Leadership at Amhara Region State University. He possesses an extensive academic background, holding a PhD in Public Management from Ethiopian Civil Service University, an MA in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, and a BA from Addis Ababa University. His scholarly expertise focuses on organizational behavior, Agency Theory, and Public Choice Theory, with a prolific publication record in international journals such as the Journal of Asian and African Studies. As a patent holder for his innovative work on the intersection of IT and leadership, his current research initiatives explore transformational leadership within the Ethiopian healthcare sector, the performance effects of outsourcing in public service delivery, and the practical applications of good governance. Beyond his research and teaching, Dr. Benegrew has contributed to institutional governance as a board member at Bahir Dar University.
Destaw Amare (PhD), PhD in Public Policy and Leadership, Amhara Region State University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: destawb83@gmail.com
Dr. Destaw Amare is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Leadership in the Department of Public Policy and Leadership at ARSU. He obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Leadership from ARSU in April 2025. In addition, he obtained his MA in sociology from the University of Gondar and his B.Ed in History from Haromaya University. He has been working as an assistant professor of public policy and leadership at ARSU since February 2026. Previously, he worked in various sectors of the Amhara region as a high school and college teacher and as an expert and office head from woreda to zonal levels since 2006. Now, he is teaching and supervising M.A. students in public policy and leadership at ARSU. He is an expert in history, sociology, public policy, and leadership. He has experience in research, publication, and community services. Thus, he has served for more than twenty years. During these years, he has acquired different experiences related to community development facilitation, sustainable development, resilient practices, and social security issues. He worked as the chairperson of the PSNP steering committee. Moreover, He has experience with facilitation of community-level participatory planning and implementation. He also gained experience in forming and supporting gender-based youth clubs in school and amateur clubs that work against gender violence, bias, and harassment both in school and in the community. He also has experience in chairing, monitoring, and evaluation of non- governmental organizations' projects, which have been implemented by FHE (PSNP, ABY, and OVC) projects. He has published three articles in internationally peer-reviewed journals. His published works are indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Currently, he is a section editor of the ARSU Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Amhara, Ethiopia.
Mr. Amare Mabrie Yemata, PhD Candidate in Political Economy and Governance, Amhara Region State University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: amareecon@gmail.com
Mr. Amare Mabrie Yemata, an Assistant Professor in Economics and Development Policy Analysis at Amhara Region State University with more than 18 years of teaching, research, and academic service experience. His academic and professional background focuses on economics, development policy analysis, project management, and socio-economic research. He holds a BSc degree in Economics from Bahir Dar University and an MSc degree in Development Policy Analysis from Mekelle University. On the time, he is doing my PhD in Political Economy and governance and conducting dissertation thesis focus on e-government role on governance and trade performance using panel data analysis. Throughout his academic career, he actively participated in teaching, research, community service, and academic leadership activities. His teaching and research interests include: Development economics, Development policy analysis, Poverty and food security, Project management, applied econometrics, ICT and development, Socio-economic analysis, and Quantitative research methods. Mr. Amare actively engaged in teaching Master’s students in Political Economy, Project Management and Public Policy and Leadership. He delivers graduate-level courses such as Advanced Microeconomics, Theory of political economy, institution and development, Econometrics for Political Economy, Economics of Growth and Development, fundamentals of project management, quantitative method for project management, project analysis and evaluation and Development Project and Program Management. His teaching experience emphasizes on economic concepts, critical thinking, quantitative-based project analysis, and the use of economic and political economy theory to real-world economic, governance and development challenges. He also advised and evaluated a lot of master students’ thesis work that is related in my field of study and research interest. Mr. Amare participated in several research and grant projects funded by national and international institutions, including: Social Justice Project implemented by Haramaya University College of Law with support from USAID, Research on the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) funded by the Ethiopian Research Development Institute in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute, and Research projects on multidimensional poverty and development policy analysis. He also published peer-reviewed scholarly work. Mr. Amare professional experience includes serving as: Head of the Department of Political Economy for four years, Coordinator of the Distance Education Program for three years, and Coordinator of the Summer Education Program for two years. These responsibilities strengthened my organizational, leadership, communication, and academic management skills. He received professional training in: Applied Econometrics with software applications, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Training of Trainers (TOT) and Effective teaching and research methodologies. In addition, he possess strong analytical and computer skills with practical experience in: STATA, SPSS, MS Excel, MS Word, Internet-based research, and data analysis techniques. Mr. Amare extensive academic experience, research engagement, quantitative analytical skills, and commitment to scholarly excellence enable him to contribute effectively as an editorial board member through manuscript evaluation, academic quality assurance, peer review support, and promotion of ethical research and publication standards.
Wasihun Tiku Moges (PhD), Amhara Region State University, School of Leadership and Political Economy, Department of Project Management, Ethiopia
Email: Wasihuntiku21@gmail.com
Dr. Wasihun Tiku Moges is a distinguished scholar and professional at Amhara Region State University, Ethiopia, serving in the School of Leadership and Political Economy, Department of Project Management. With a career spanning academia, management, research, and consultancy, he brings over two decades of expertise in leadership, project management, and socio‑economic inquiry. He earned his PhD in Management from Punjabi University, India (2008), following an MBA from Mekelle University (2004) and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Adama University (1998). His professional journey includes leadership roles such as Manager of Simada Woreda Micro and Small Enterprises, Lecturer at Axum University, and Vice Dean of the College of Business & Economics at Debre Markos University, before joining Amhara Region State University in 2013. Fluent in Amharic and English, Dr. Wasihun is proficient in Microsoft Office, STATA, and SPSS, and has published research on foreign direct investment and economic growth in Ethiopia. He has also contributed to numerous training programs and seminars on microenterprise development, investment opportunities, and capacity building, underscoring his commitment to advancing scholarship and practical development initiatives.
Fikirte Adugna (PhD), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: fikirteadugna@gmail.com
Dr. Fikirte Adugna is a scholar and researcher specializing in peace, security, history, and tourism. She holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Security, an M.A. in History, and a B.A. in Tourism Management.
Her interdisciplinary academic background enables her to examine complex social, historical, and security issues from multiple perspectives. Her research interests include peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution, human security, governance, historical studies, cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and community development. She is committed to promoting evidence-based research, quality teaching, and community engagement to address contemporary societal challenges.
Dr. Fikirte has contributed to teaching, research, and academic service in higher education, with expertise in supervising student research, conducting scholarly investigations, and participating in multidisciplinary collaborations. Her work integrates historical analysis with peace and security studies to generate practical insights for policymaking, sustainable development, and social cohesion.
She remains actively engaged in academic research, professional development, and community service, with a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting peace, inclusive development, and cultural understanding through scholarship and collaboration.
Gubaye Assaye Alamineh (PhD), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: gubayea@gmail.com
Dr. Gubaye Assaye Alamineh is an assistant professor of peace and development studies. He obtained his PhD, MA and BA from Haramaya University and Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, respectively. He has twenty years of teaching, research, and community service experience at public universities in Ethiopia. He has research interests and expertise in migration, development, gender, peace, tourism, conflict, and conflict resolution mechanisms. He has more than seven publications in internationally accredited journals. He has ample experience presenting various research outputs at national and international workshops. He has been an associate editor for the Ethiopian Journal of Social Sciences for two years. Currently, he is a coordinator for the refugees and migration research unit under the umbrella of the diplomacy and foreign research center at Bahir Dar University. He is also a chairperson of the research ethics review committee of the Faculty of Social Sciences for one year.
Advisory Board
Dr. Sebsibew Atikaw, Amhara Region State University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: sebsibew@gmail.com
Professor Mateb Tafere, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: matebetafere@yahoo.com
Dr. Chuchu Alebachew, Amhara Region State University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: woretawtakele@gmail.com
Dr. Birhane Sime, Ethiopian Public Service University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: birhanesime2012@gmail.com
Dr. Wondaferahu Mulugeta, Ethiopian Public Service University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Email: wondm2001@yaoo.com
