Posted on 25/08/202525/08/2025 by Best Paper Awards Mr. Fikadu Warku | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award Lecturer at Wollega University, Ethiopia Fikadu Warku Chuko is a lecturer and researcher in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics at Wollega University, with expertise in geospatial technologies, spatial big data analysis, and climate-environment interactions. He holds an MSc in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics from Addis Ababa University and a BSc in Geoinformation Science from Wollega University. His research focuses on land-use dynamics, climate variability, groundwater recharge, and environmental sustainability, with publications in peer-reviewed journals such as Heliyon, Sustainable Water Resources Management, and the Journal of Water and Climate Change. Fikadu has presented his work at national and international conferences and contributed to projects integrating satellite imagery, GIS, and machine learning for environmental and health applications. With professional certifications and leadership in academic mentoring, he demonstrates strong research potential and societal impact. Professional Profile Orcid Profile Education Fikadu Warku Chuko has built a strong academic foundation in the field of Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geoinformation Science from Wollega University, Ethiopia, where he developed a keen interest in geospatial technologies and environmental applications. He further advanced his expertise by completing a Master of Science degree in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics at Addis Ababa University. His postgraduate research focused on the impact of land use/cover changes and climate variability on groundwater recharge, showcasing his ability to integrate advanced geospatial tools with environmental problem-solving. This academic pathway has equipped him with comprehensive knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis, preparing him to conduct impactful research in environmental sustainability, water resources management, and climate change adaptation strategies. Experience Fikadu Warku Chuko has accumulated over nine years of academic and research experience, currently serving as a Lecturer in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics at Wollega University. He began his professional journey as a Graduate Assistant I and II, where he honed his teaching and mentoring skills before transitioning into a full-time lecturer role. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in guiding students, delivering lectures, and leading research initiatives focused on geospatial analysis, environmental change, and climate variability. His contributions extend beyond teaching, as he has participated in multiple collaborative research projects addressing real-world issues such as forest cover degradation, biomass estimation, and disease ecology under climate change. This professional track record demonstrates his ability to integrate education, research, and applied science for the benefit of both academia and society. Research Interest Fikadu’s research interests lie at the intersection of geospatial technologies and environmental sustainability. He is particularly focused on applying GIS, remote sensing, and spatial big data analysis to study land-use dynamics, climate variability, and their implications for water resources and ecosystems. His work also integrates machine learning approaches with satellite imagery to model human-environment interactions, environmental hazards, and disease ecology under changing climatic conditions. He has actively engaged in projects such as estimating biomass carbon stock, characterizing forest cover change, and modeling malaria prevalence ecology using geospatial methods. Through these interdisciplinary interests, he aims to generate actionable insights that support environmental management, climate adaptation strategies, and public health planning, positioning himself as a forward-looking researcher contributing to global sustainability challenges. Awards and Honors Fikadu Warku Chuko has been recognized for his academic and research contributions through opportunities to present at high-profile scientific platforms. He delivered research papers at the National Research Conference hosted by Wollega University and at the International Conference of the Pan African University in Ibadan, Nigeria, both of which reflect his ability to engage with scholarly communities at national and international levels. His peer-reviewed publications in respected journals further highlight his growing academic recognition. In addition, he has earned multiple professional certifications in artificial intelligence, data analysis, programming, and advanced geospatial technologies, which enhance his professional credentials. These achievements underline his commitment to research excellence, professional growth, and knowledge dissemination, and they serve as milestones in his journey as a dedicated and impactful researcher. Research Skill Fikadu possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to address complex environmental and geospatial challenges. He is proficient in leading GIS and remote sensing software, including QGIS, ArcGIS, ERDAS, ENVI, and Google Earth Engine, with advanced expertise in spatial analysis, predictive modeling, and environmental simulations. His technical proficiency extends to programming languages such as Python, R, Java, C++, HTML, and CSS, which he applies in spatial big data processing and web-based geospatial applications. He has practical experience integrating satellite imagery with machine learning for climate and health-related studies, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to research. Coupled with strong communication and presentation skills, his ability to blend theoretical knowledge with applied methods demonstrates his capacity to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that contribute meaningfully to research and society. Publication Top Notes Title: Climate change and watershed hydrology: assessing variability in water balance components and groundwater flow patternsAuthors: Abera Gonfa Abdissa; Fikadu Warku ChukoYear: 2024Citation : Abera G. A., & Chuko, F. W. (2024). Climate change and watershed hydrology: assessing variability in water balance components and groundwater flow patterns. Journal of Water and Climate Change, 15(9), 4389–4404. https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2024.080 Title: Impact of land-use dynamics and climate change scenarios on groundwater recharge in the case of Anger watershed, EthiopiaAuthors: Fikadu Warku Chuko; Abera Gonfa AbdissaYear: 2023Citation : Chuko, F. W., & Abdissa, A. G. (2023). Impact of land-use dynamics and climate change scenarios on groundwater recharge in the case of Anger watershed, Ethiopia. Heliyon, 9(8), e18467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18467 Title: Impacts of land use/cover change and climate variability on groundwater recharge for Upper Gibe watershed, EthiopiaAuthors: Fikadu Warku; Tasfaye Korme; Gizachew Kabite Wedajo; Dassie NedowYear: 2022Citation : Warku, F., Korme, T., Kabite, G. W., & Nedow, D. (2022). Impacts of land use/cover change and climate variability on groundwater recharge for Upper Gibe watershed, Ethiopia. Sustainable Water Resources Management. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-021-00588-8 Conclusion In summary, Fikadu Warku Chuko is an emerging researcher and academic with a strong record of contributions in Remote Sensing, Geo-Informatics, and climate-environment studies. His academic background, professional experience, and wide-ranging research skills demonstrate his ability to combine technical expertise with applied research to address pressing global challenges. With peer-reviewed publications, international conference participation, and active engagement in impactful projects, he has already made significant contributions to environmental sustainability, water resource management, and public health. His dedication to advancing knowledge through teaching, mentoring, and research showcases his leadership potential. By expanding his collaborations, increasing high-impact publications, and participating in editorial or keynote opportunities, Fikadu is well-positioned to achieve further excellence. His achievements and potential make him a deserving candidate for recognition through prestigious research awards. Fikadu Warku | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Fikadu Warku Chuko is a lecturer and researcher in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics at Wollega University, with expertise in geospatial technologies, spatial big data analysis, and climate-environment interactions. He holds an MSc in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics from Addis Ababa University and a BSc in Geoinformation Science from Wollega University. His research focuses on land-use dynamics, climate variability, groundwater recharge, and environmental sustainability, with publications in peer-reviewed journals such as Heliyon, Sustainable Water Resources Management, and the Journal of Water and Climate Change. Fikadu has presented his work at national and international conferences and contributed to projects integrating satellite imagery, GIS, and machine learning for environmental and health applications. With professional certifications and leadership in academic mentoring, he demonstrates strong research potential and societal impact. Professional Profile Orcid Profile
Education Fikadu Warku Chuko has built a strong academic foundation in the field of Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geoinformation Science from Wollega University, Ethiopia, where he developed a keen interest in geospatial technologies and environmental applications. He further advanced his expertise by completing a Master of Science degree in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics at Addis Ababa University. His postgraduate research focused on the impact of land use/cover changes and climate variability on groundwater recharge, showcasing his ability to integrate advanced geospatial tools with environmental problem-solving. This academic pathway has equipped him with comprehensive knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis, preparing him to conduct impactful research in environmental sustainability, water resources management, and climate change adaptation strategies. Experience Fikadu Warku Chuko has accumulated over nine years of academic and research experience, currently serving as a Lecturer in Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics at Wollega University. He began his professional journey as a Graduate Assistant I and II, where he honed his teaching and mentoring skills before transitioning into a full-time lecturer role. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in guiding students, delivering lectures, and leading research initiatives focused on geospatial analysis, environmental change, and climate variability. His contributions extend beyond teaching, as he has participated in multiple collaborative research projects addressing real-world issues such as forest cover degradation, biomass estimation, and disease ecology under climate change. This professional track record demonstrates his ability to integrate education, research, and applied science for the benefit of both academia and society. Research Interest Fikadu’s research interests lie at the intersection of geospatial technologies and environmental sustainability. He is particularly focused on applying GIS, remote sensing, and spatial big data analysis to study land-use dynamics, climate variability, and their implications for water resources and ecosystems. His work also integrates machine learning approaches with satellite imagery to model human-environment interactions, environmental hazards, and disease ecology under changing climatic conditions. He has actively engaged in projects such as estimating biomass carbon stock, characterizing forest cover change, and modeling malaria prevalence ecology using geospatial methods. Through these interdisciplinary interests, he aims to generate actionable insights that support environmental management, climate adaptation strategies, and public health planning, positioning himself as a forward-looking researcher contributing to global sustainability challenges. Awards and Honors Fikadu Warku Chuko has been recognized for his academic and research contributions through opportunities to present at high-profile scientific platforms. He delivered research papers at the National Research Conference hosted by Wollega University and at the International Conference of the Pan African University in Ibadan, Nigeria, both of which reflect his ability to engage with scholarly communities at national and international levels. His peer-reviewed publications in respected journals further highlight his growing academic recognition. In addition, he has earned multiple professional certifications in artificial intelligence, data analysis, programming, and advanced geospatial technologies, which enhance his professional credentials. These achievements underline his commitment to research excellence, professional growth, and knowledge dissemination, and they serve as milestones in his journey as a dedicated and impactful researcher. Research Skill Fikadu possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to address complex environmental and geospatial challenges. He is proficient in leading GIS and remote sensing software, including QGIS, ArcGIS, ERDAS, ENVI, and Google Earth Engine, with advanced expertise in spatial analysis, predictive modeling, and environmental simulations. His technical proficiency extends to programming languages such as Python, R, Java, C++, HTML, and CSS, which he applies in spatial big data processing and web-based geospatial applications. He has practical experience integrating satellite imagery with machine learning for climate and health-related studies, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to research. Coupled with strong communication and presentation skills, his ability to blend theoretical knowledge with applied methods demonstrates his capacity to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that contribute meaningfully to research and society. Publication Top Notes Title: Climate change and watershed hydrology: assessing variability in water balance components and groundwater flow patternsAuthors: Abera Gonfa Abdissa; Fikadu Warku ChukoYear: 2024Citation : Abera G. A., & Chuko, F. W. (2024). Climate change and watershed hydrology: assessing variability in water balance components and groundwater flow patterns. Journal of Water and Climate Change, 15(9), 4389–4404. https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2024.080 Title: Impact of land-use dynamics and climate change scenarios on groundwater recharge in the case of Anger watershed, EthiopiaAuthors: Fikadu Warku Chuko; Abera Gonfa AbdissaYear: 2023Citation : Chuko, F. W., & Abdissa, A. G. (2023). Impact of land-use dynamics and climate change scenarios on groundwater recharge in the case of Anger watershed, Ethiopia. Heliyon, 9(8), e18467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18467 Title: Impacts of land use/cover change and climate variability on groundwater recharge for Upper Gibe watershed, EthiopiaAuthors: Fikadu Warku; Tasfaye Korme; Gizachew Kabite Wedajo; Dassie NedowYear: 2022Citation : Warku, F., Korme, T., Kabite, G. W., & Nedow, D. (2022). Impacts of land use/cover change and climate variability on groundwater recharge for Upper Gibe watershed, Ethiopia. Sustainable Water Resources Management. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-021-00588-8 Conclusion In summary, Fikadu Warku Chuko is an emerging researcher and academic with a strong record of contributions in Remote Sensing, Geo-Informatics, and climate-environment studies. His academic background, professional experience, and wide-ranging research skills demonstrate his ability to combine technical expertise with applied research to address pressing global challenges. With peer-reviewed publications, international conference participation, and active engagement in impactful projects, he has already made significant contributions to environmental sustainability, water resource management, and public health. His dedication to advancing knowledge through teaching, mentoring, and research showcases his leadership potential. By expanding his collaborations, increasing high-impact publications, and participating in editorial or keynote opportunities, Fikadu is well-positioned to achieve further excellence. His achievements and potential make him a deserving candidate for recognition through prestigious research awards.