Mersha Asfaw Bezie

Second cohort of the African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges / Deuxième cohorte du programme de Bourses africaines pour la recherche sur les savoirs autochtones et alternatifs (AFRIAK) .

Affliation: Bahir Dar University

Discipline: Veterinary Pathology

Country / Pays: Ethiopia

Project Title / Titre du projet: Bridging the Gap—Scientific Validation and Community Upscaling of Indigenous Herbal-Heat Therapeutics for Reproductive Efficiency in Ethiopian Heifers

Biographie / Biography: I currently serve as an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology and Course Chair at Bahir Dar University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. In this role, I am responsible for leading academic instruction in veterinary pathology while overseeing the coordination of various courses within the department. My work involves mentoring students, designing curriculum components, and ensuring that our academic standards align with the evolving needs of the veterinary profession in Ethiopia.
Beyond my teaching duties, I am actively engaged in high-level research aimed at addressing critical public health and agricultural challenges. I am currently the Principal Investigator for an ongoing study funded by the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH). This research focuses on the impact of Hydatidosis on both livestock and human health in Bahir Dar and its surrounding districts, requiring me to manage fieldwork, coordinate data collection, and analyze the intersection of animal and human disease. My daily responsibilities involve a blend of classroom leadership, laboratory analysis, and community-based research, all dedicated to improving animal welfare and public health outcomes.