Martha Negassa
About me
Dr. Martha is a researcher in the Climate Change Research Division at Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD), where she also coordinates climate-related research projects. She earned her BSc in Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection from Mekelle University, her MSc in Climate Change and Development from Arba Minch University, and her PhD in Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Management from Haramaya University’s African Center of Excellence. Her doctoral work focused on modeling and mapping soil organic carbon under future land-use and climate change scenarios. She previously worked at Fitche Soil Laboratory Research Center, World Vision Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute. Dr. Martha has been recognized for her scientific excellence, receiving an award from her university’s Women Affairs Office and being named a 2020 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talent. She is widely regarded as a role model for women in science in Ethiopia.
Martha was born on 06 December 1982 in Ambo, Ethiopia. She attended her secondary school education at Ambo Compressive Secondary School from 1998 till 2001 in Natural Science. She scored the highest score in Ethiopian School Leaving Examination (4.0) for University entrance. She then joined Mekelle University in 2001 and obtained her BSc degree in Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection (LaRMEP) in 2005 with strong academic performance. Her professional career began in 2006 at the Fitche Soil Laboratory Research Center, where she worked as an Assistant Researcher until 2008. She then served with World Vision Ethiopia from 2009 to 2012, contributing to development and environmental programs before pursuing further studies.
In 2012, she enrolled at Arba Minch University for her MSc and completed her degree in Climate Change and Development in 2015. After graduating, she joined the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute (EEFRI) in 2016, where she worked until 2018, when she was admitted to the PhD program at Haramaya University.
She earned her PhD in Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Management from the African Center of Excellence in Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (Climate SABC), Haramaya University. Her PhD research focused on modeling and mapping the spatial and temporal distribution of soil organic carbon under 2050 land-use and climate change scenarios, and assessing their impact on soil available water in Eastern Ethiopia.
Dr. Martha has been widely recognized for her academic and research excellence. She was awarded by her university’s Women Affairs Office in Ethiopia for her contributions to advancing women in higher education and scientific research. In 2020, she became one of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents, honored for her outstanding research achievements. She is regarded as a role model for young women in science, demonstrating exceptional dedication, leadership, and excellence throughout her academic and professional journey.
At present, Dr. Martha is a researcher at Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD) in the Climate Change Research Division, where she also serves as a coordinator of climate change research projects.