PhD Candidate at Rostock University, Germany
Dr. Tolera Abdissa Feyissa is an accomplished researcher and academic specializing in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering. With over a decade of experience, he has contributed significantly to hydrological modeling, climate change impact assessment, sediment transport, and flood risk management. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Rostock University, Germany, he has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in reputed international journals such as Heliyon, Sustainability, and Results in Engineering. His work is widely indexed in Scopus and Elsevier, demonstrating scholarly excellence. He has played key leadership roles at Jimma University, coordinated international collaborations, and actively participated in consultancy and capacity-building programs. His strong command of modeling tools, research supervision, and community engagement, combined with professional engineering certifications, highlights his commitment to both academic and societal advancement. Dr. Tolera holds exceptional promise as a global research leader.
Professional Profile
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Education
Dr. Tolera Abdissa Feyissa holds a strong academic foundation in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Arba Minch University (2007–2011) and his Master of Science in Hydraulic Engineering from Jimma University . He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering at Rostock University, Germany, where his research focuses on climate change impact modeling and water resource sustainability. His educational trajectory demonstrates continuous progression toward scientific excellence, enhanced by his exposure to both national and international academic systems. Dr. Tolera’s academic achievements are supported by various professional development certifications in integrated water resource management, statistical programming, environmental impact assessments, and academic leadership. This well-rounded academic background provides a solid platform for innovative research and impactful engineering solutions.
Professional Experience
Dr. Tolera has over 12 years of academic and professional experience in higher education and engineering consultancy. He began as a Graduate Assistant at Arba Minch University, later serving as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, and ultimately Assistant Professor at Jimma University’s Institute of Technology. His leadership includes roles as Coordinator of the Home-Grown Postgraduate Program (in collaboration with Texas Tech University) and Director of Research and Publication. He also provided consultancy for hydrological and hydraulic design projects, including urban road drainage and water distribution systems. Internationally, he has conducted training sessions and collaborated with NGOs and universities. Dr. Tolera’s diverse professional background reflects strong expertise in teaching, applied engineering, and research management. His ability to coordinate multidisciplinary projects and guide postgraduate students underscores his academic leadership and commitment to capacity development in engineering education.
Research Interest
Dr. Tolera’s primary research interests lie in the domains of hydrology, hydraulic engineering, water resource management, and climate change adaptation. He specializes in the application of hydrological models such as SWAT, HEC-HMS, MODFLOW, and WEAP to evaluate the impact of climate variability on streamflow, sediment yield, and reservoir dynamics. His work integrates GIS and remote sensing tools to enhance water system analysis and watershed management. Dr. Tolera also explores sustainable flood and drought mitigation strategies and prioritizes data-driven environmental modeling. His recent research focuses on CMIP6 climate projections and their implications for African river basins, making his work both regionally relevant and globally significant. Through a combination of simulation, field data, and collaborative research, he aims to develop scalable and sustainable engineering solutions for water-scarce regions.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Tolera Abdissa Feyissa has earned several awards and recognitions for his academic and professional excellence. He was honored as a “Best Outstanding Teacher” and frequently serves as a moderator and reviewer at national and international research conferences. His contributions to curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and community-focused engineering solutions have received institutional commendation. Additionally, he has received certificates for advanced training in integrated water resources management, research communication, and academic quality assurance. His leadership in Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Postgraduate Program, in partnership with Texas Tech University, highlights his commitment to academic collaboration and international engagement. These accolades reflect not only his scholarly achievements but also his dedication to education, mentorship, and the practical application of research for societal benefit.
Research Skills
Dr. Tolera possesses a robust skill set in advanced hydrological modeling, environmental simulation, and data analysis. He is proficient in using tools such as SWAT, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, MODFLOW, ERDAS, and WEAP for watershed modeling and climate impact assessments. He is also skilled in programming and statistical environments, including MATLAB, R, and C++, as well as GIS platforms like ArcGIS, Global Mapper, and AutoCAD. His expertise extends to hydraulic design software such as WaterCAD and EPANET. Dr. Tolera is adept at integrating these tools for multi-scale environmental assessments and scenario analysis. His practical experience includes supervising lab experiments, designing water infrastructure, and leading interdisciplinary research teams. These competencies position him as a highly capable researcher with the technical depth to address complex water and climate-related challenges.
Publication Top Note
Title: Prioritization of susceptible watershed to sediment yield and evaluation of best management practice: A case study of Awata River, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Temesgen Kefay, Tolera Abdissa Feyissa, Bekan Chelkeba Tumsa
Year: 2022
Citations: 16
Title: Evaluation of general circulation models CMIP6 performance and future climate change over the Omo River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Tolera A. Feyissa, Tamene Adugna Demissie, Fokke Saathoff, Alemayehu Gebissa
Year: 2023
Citations: 12
Title: Morphometric analysis of Kito and Awetu sub basins, Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Fayera Gudu Tufa, Tolera A. Feyissa
Year: 2018
Citations: 12
Title: Regional flood frequency analysis for sustainable water resources management of the Genale–Dawa River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: T. D. Mengistu, Tolera A. Feyissa, I‑M Chung, S‑W Chang, M. B. Yesuf, Alemayehu E.
Year: 2022
Citations: 11
Title: Performance evaluation of HEC‑HMS model for continuous runoff simulation of Gilgel Gibe watershed, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Sewmehon Sisay Fanta, Tolera A. Feyissa
Year: 2021
Citations: 9
Title: Spatial distribution of soil loss in upper Didessa Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: F. G. Tufa, Tolera A. Feyissa
Year: 2019
Citations: 8
Title: Evaluation of the best‑fit probability of distribution and return periods of river discharge peaks: Case study: Awetu River, Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Tolera A. Feyissa, Nasir G. Tukura
Year: 2019
Citations: 6
Title: Floodplain modelling of Awetu River Sub‑Basin, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Tolera A. Feyissa, Fayera G. Tufa
Year: 2019
Citations: 5
Title: GIS‑based irrigation potential assessment on Shaya River sub‑basin in Bale Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia
Authors: Nasir G. Tukura, Tolera Abdissa Feyissa
Year: 2020
Citations: 5
Title: Identification of soil erosion‑prone areas for effective mitigation measures using a combined approach of morphometric analysis and GIS
Authors: Ayana Asrat Duressa, Tolera Abdissa Feyissa, Nasir G. Tukura, Beekan Gurmessa Gudeta, Gadefa Fekadu Gechelu, Takele Sambeto Bibi
Year: 2024
Citations: 3
Title: Assessment of Effects of Turbidity Variation on Water Temperature and Evaporation of Gilgel Gibe I Reservoir, Omo‑Gibe River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Aduna Birmachu, Tolera Abdissa Feyissa, Nasir G. Tukura
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Title: Hydrological responses projection to the potential impact of climate change under CMIP6 model scenarios in Omo River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Tolera Abdissa Feyissa, Tamene Adugna Demissie, Fokke Saathoff, Alemayehu Gebissa
Year: 2024
Title: Evaluation of the impacts of turbidity on Gilgel‑Gibe I reservoir storage, Omo‑Gibe River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Aduna Birmachu, Tolera Abdissa Feyissa, Bikila Diriba
Year: 2024
Conclusion
Dr. Tolera Abdissa Feyissa exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated researcher, academic leader, and professional engineer. With a strong educational foundation, rich teaching and consultancy experience, and a well-defined research focus, he brings a holistic approach to engineering and sustainability challenges. His contributions to climate resilience, water resource modeling, and academic development have tangible societal impacts, especially within the African context. As an emerging global researcher, he continues to expand his academic influence through international collaboration and high-quality publications. Dr. Tolera’s blend of technical expertise, leadership, and community engagement makes him a valuable asset to both academic and professional circles. His ongoing work holds significant promise for addressing future water resource and climate adaptation needs worldwide.