Meet Our Faculty
Industry Leaders, Academic Mentors
At FUSE, we believe that a diverse and highly qualified faculty is essential to delivering a truly global education. Our instructors bring a rich blend of backgrounds, identities, and experiences that deepen classroom learning and expand student perspectives. As a globally focused university, we are committed to inclusive excellence—preparing leaders who can thrive across cultures, industries, and borders.
Below are a few key reasons why our faculty stand out.
Bridging Theory and Practice for Real-World Impact
At Florida University Southeast (FUSE), our faculty bring more than just academic credentials—they bring lived experience, global insights, and a passion for shaping the future.
Scholar-Practitioners with Real-World Experience
Our instructors are seasoned professionals who have worked in government, Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and international institutions. They integrate real-world case studies and hands-on insights into every lesson.
Globally Connected Experts
International Perspective, Local Relevance
FUSE faculty maintain active roles in global networks, research collaborations, and professional associations. Their diverse backgrounds enrich the learning experience with cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Mentorship Beyond the Classroom
Our faculty go beyond lecturing—they mentor, advise, and support students throughout their academic and professional journeys. Many serve as Capstone project advisors and career coaches.
Active Researchers and Innovators
Pushing Boundaries in Knowledge and Practice
From publishing peer-reviewed articles to leading applied research and innovation projects, our faculty stay at the forefront of their fields—bringing the latest trends and solutions into the classroom.
Adaptive Educators for a Digital World
Innovative Teaching for Modern Learners
FUSE faculty are trained in cutting-edge instructional design and digital pedagogy. They seamlessly blend technology with teaching to deliver engaging, flexible, and accessible learning experiences that meet the needs of today’s professionals.
Faculty Members
Heidi DiCicco, JD, PMP, President
Heidi DiCicco, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Florida University Southeast (FUSE), brings a diverse background to her roles, with over a decade of experience as an educator, an eclectic educational background, and extensive administrative practice. She holds a master’s degree in business, a Juris Doctorate with multiple academic recognitions, and is a JSD Candidate. Ms. DiCicco has taught various subjects at the college level, served as a court administrator and attorney for a child advocacy program, worked briefly as a Senior Attorney for Florida’s Office of the Attorney General, Children’s Legal Services, and previously held a position as a Department Director for a nonprofit.
Dereje Tessema, PhD, PMP, PMI-ACP, CEA, SAF-SPC Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (CEO)
Dr. Dereje Tessema, the Vice President of Florida University Southeast, brings over 25 years of experience in managing government and private sector projects and programs. With a Ph.D. in Management, two master’s degrees, and several industry certifications, he specializes in enterprise architecture and provides consulting services in EdTech, FinTech, and infrastructure projects. As an accomplished author of three books and numerous research papers on leadership and management, Dr. Tessema’s expertise contributes significantly to driving innovation and excellence in education at Florida University. Southeast.
Ayenachew Aseffa (PhD, MPM, SAFe-SM), Chief Academic and Research Officer
Ayenachew Aseffa holds a PhD in higher education from the Center for International Higher Education, Boston College. He has over a decade of international experience working in the higher education sector in both academic and non-academic roles. In the past two years Ayenachew has been leading the academic and research wing of FUSE. In this role, he drives the institution’s academic and research initiatives by providing strategic leadership to enhance teaching, learning, and scholarship programs Ayenachew works closely with faculty on strategic planning, faculty development, research oversight, and fostering partnerships for innovation and impact. He ensures alignment with institutional goals, advocates for academic quality, and represents the organization externally.
Getaneh Bitew Fenta (PhD, SAFe-SM), Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Getaneh Bitew Fenta (PhD, SAFe-SM), Chief Information Officer (CIO) at FUSE, has over 20 years of experience leading complex IT projects and programs in both the public and private sectors. With a PhD in Computer Science and several industry certifications, Getaneh is part of the leadership team that has transformed FUSE from a traditional academic and professional development institute into an Educational Technology company. As CIO, Dr. Getaneh brings a wealth of experience in leading FUSE’s EduSuite360 suite as a comprehensive solution for K-12, higher education, and organizations eager to implement the latest educational technology for their customers and clients. Dr. Getaneh resides in the USA and leads the global IT team distributed across the US, Europe, and Africa.
Seble Mengesha (PhD, PMP, CISSP) Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Seble Mengesha (PhD, PMP, CISSP), Chief Operating Officer (COO) at FUSE, brings a unique blend of experience from both the academic and industry sectors, focusing on cutting-edge technologies. Holding a PhD in Electrical Engineering along with several certifications in networking, wireless technology, system development, and deployment, and enterprise architecture, Seble’s contribution is pivotal to FUSE’s transformation into a leading educational technology company. As a scholar-practitioner, Seble oversees the operations of both FUSE’s academic projects and the EduSuite360 products
Getachew Tessema (PhD/, SAFe-SM) EduSuite360 Product Manager
Getachew Tessema (PhD/SAFe-SM), EduSuite360 Product Manager, resides in Germany and is a faculty member in the School of Information Technology. He manages the EduSuite360 products, leading a team responsible for designing, developing, testing, deploying, and supporting the five EduSuite360 product families. As a scholar-practitioner, Getachew brings both academic and professional knowledge to managing projects, products, and portfolios for both private and public organizations. With over 25 years of IT product development experience utilizing both Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile development frameworks, Getachew oversees the development and deployment of FUSE’s EduSuite360 families. He works from the Germany office
Eskindir Jembere (PhD, MA, BEd) Coordinator, School of Professional Studies
Eskindir Jembere, Ph.D., currently serves as the Coordinator of the School of Professional Studies (SPS) at FUSE. He holds a Ph.D. in International and Comparative Education and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. With nearly two decades of experience in academia and the public sector, Eskindir is an established expert in the field of Education. His background in teaching, research, and scholarly publication has led to a commendable record within academic circles. In his role as SPS Coordinator at FUSE, Eskindir coordinates with students, faculty, and staff to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that equips students for successful professional careers. As an education specialist, he also actively contributes to quality assurance endeavors, ensuring the maintenance of high educational standards and facilitating the integration of academic knowledge with real-world professional applications.
Habtamu Berhanu, Ph.D., MBA, MBV, Dean School of Business Valuation and Investment
Habtamu Berhanu has extensive experience bridging academia and industry, with a career spanning decades. His expertise encompasses various facets of financial sector development, notably corporate governance, corporate growth, value-based management, business valuation, systems development, business intelligence, and data analytics. Currently, Habtamu serves as the dean of the School of Business Valuation and Investment, where he orchestrates the academic, research, and community service initiatives of the school.
Aemro Tazeze Terefe, Ph.D.
Dr. Aemro Tazeze Terefe, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics at Bahir Dar University, brings over 17 years of academic and research experience in agricultural economics. Holding a Ph.D. in the field, he has made significant contributions through teaching, supervising over 40 MSc and five Ph.D. students, and examining more than 60 MSc theses across Haramaya and Bahir Dar Universities. Dr. Terefe has developed key policy documents and led research in areas such as project impact evaluation, private sector assessment, value chains, environmental economics, and farm household modeling. His work is widely published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
Dr. Assefa Tessema Tecklie
Dr. Assefa Tessema Tecklie is an aquatic ecologist and Associate Professor at Wollo University, Ethiopia. He has over 18 years of experience in ecohydrology, fisheries, and wetland management. Dr. Assefa holds a Ph.D. in Aquatic Sciences and an MSc in Fisheries and Wetland Management. He leads initiatives at the Lake Hayq UNESCO Ecohydrology Demonstration Site. His work includes projects on integrated water resource management and ecological restoration. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications, he has supervised more than 14 MSc students. His expertise shapes sustainable aquatic resource management in Ethiopia.
Dr.Atalay Mesfin
Dr. Atalay Mesfin is an Assistant Professor of Education Policy and Leadership at Debre Markos College. He possesses a strong academic and professional background in leadership, pedagogy, and teacher development. Dr. Atalay holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Debre Markos University. He earned a Bachelor of Education in Pedagogical Science from Bahir Dar University. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Arts in Performing and Visual Arts from Addis Ababa University. His research contributions focus on instructional leadership and student time management. He has presented his work at various academic conferences, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Atalay is experienced in gender-responsive pedagogy and research methodologies. He has led initiatives aimed at active learning, professional development, and textbook evaluation.
Mr. Daniel Geletaw Eshete
Mr. Daniel Geletaw Eshete is a Ph.D. student at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He specializes in Engineering Hydrology at the Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research. Additionally, he is a Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Daniel chairs the Hydrology and Water Resource stream and the College Research and Ethics Committee. His academic interests include hydrological modeling and the impacts of climate change on water systems. He has published over 13 articles and book chapters in reputable journals. Daniel collaborates internationally with institutions like Kansas State University and the University of Connecticut. He is an active member of professional associations such as IAHR, IWRA, and IAHS.
Ermias Filfilu Gebru
Mr. Ermias Filfilu Gebru is a Lecturer at Addis Ababa University’s School of Earth Sciences and a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, specializing in the seismo-stratigraphy of the Danakil Depression in Afar, Ethiopia. With a strong passion for geosciences, he has taught over eleven undergraduate courses to more than 300 students across Ethiopian universities, combining classroom instruction with hands-on geological field trips. Ermias has co-authored eleven scientific papers in collaboration with scholars from leading global institutions, and his research focuses on one of the least explored sedimentary basins in the world. Committed to academic excellence and mentoring, he aspires to shape the next generation of earth scientists and contribute to addressing real-world challenges through geoscientific research.
Dr. Esmael Adem Esleman
Dr. Esmael Adem Esleman is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU), with a research focus on sustainable materials, including composite materials, fracture and fatigue analysis, and vibration analysis. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Konya Technical University, along with two M.Sc. degrees—in Mechanical Engineering from Addis Ababa University and Financial Engineering from WorldQuant University—and a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Bahir Dar University. Dr. Esmael contributes to both academia and industry, serving as a member and project manager in government-led initiatives and delivering project management training for professionals. His interdisciplinary expertise and dedication to applied research reflect a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and capacity building in engineering.
Mr. Megbaru Tesfaw Molla
Mr. Megbaru Tesfaw Molla is an Assistant Professor of Accounting and Finance at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, with over 17 years of experience in higher education, encompassing teaching, research, and academic leadership. He holds a B.Ed. in Accounting from Adama University and an M.Sc. in Finance and Investment from Mekelle University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Punjabi University in India. Mr. Megbaru began his academic career at Mizan Tepi University and joined Debre Markos University in 2013, where he was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2020. He has supervised numerous postgraduate theses, published seven research papers, and is committed to fostering publication-oriented research and institutional development in the field of finance and accounting.
Dr. Mekonnen Hailemariam Zikargae
Dr. Mekonnen Hailemariam Zikargae is an Assistant Professor of Journalism, Media, and Communication at Bahir Dar University (BDU), Ethiopia, with over 20 years of experience in higher education, research, and community service. He holds a Ph.D. in Media and Communication from BDU and degrees in Multicultural Education and Ethiopian Languages from Addis Ababa University. Dr. Mekonnen has authored over twenty peer-reviewed articles, two books, and a book chapter, with publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. He has led and supported development projects in public health, youth training, and water sanitation, and held a Ph.D. fellowship at NLA University College in Norway. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture, and Communication, and remains deeply committed to academic excellence and social impact.
Dr. Mekonnen Maschal Tarekegn
Dr. Mekonnen Maschal Tarekegn is an environmental scientist, educator, and policy expert with over 17 years of experience in sustainable development and climate resilience. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Addis Ababa University, dual master’s degrees from UNESCO-IHE and Addis Ababa University, and a BEd in Chemistry from Jimma University. Currently an Assistant Professor at the Ethiopian Civil Service University, he also leads Global Environmental Solution, Ethiopia, as Managing Director. Dr. Mekonnen has authored over 18 peer-reviewed publications and contributes to global forums such as the World Water Forum and UNFCCC. As Associate Editor of the Journal of Urban Development Studies, he promotes research in urban sustainability and climate policy through interdisciplinary, impact-driven work.
Dr. Muluken Zegeye Getie
Dr. Muluken Zegeye Getie is an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University. He has over 15 years of teaching experience and 8 years in academic leadership. Dr. Getie holds a Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté. He also has an M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Engineering and a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering. His expertise encompasses renewable energy systems and energy transition in low-resource settings. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and led projects on clean energy solutions. Dr. Getie has served as Dean, Research Director, and is currently Deputy Scientific Director. He is a member of the European Alliance for Innovation. He integrates advanced modeling tools into his teaching and consultancy work. His efforts drive sustainable development through education, research, and global collaboration.
Sisay Geremew Gebeyehu, Ph.D.
Dr. Sisay Geremew Gebeyehu is an Associate Professor at Bahir Dar University and a Certified Management Consultant. With over 24 years of experience, he excels in teaching, research, consultancy, and academic leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Manufacturing Work Process Analysis from the University of Wuppertal. Additionally, he has an M.Sc. in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering and a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering. Dr. Sisay has authored over 25 publications and led significant consultancy projects. He serves as Chairman of the BiT Business Incubation and Techno-entrepreneurship Center (BiTEC). He also participates in the regional industry development steering committee. His research areas include organizational strategy, quality management, and skills development.
Temesgen Alemu Tilahun, Ph.D.
Dr. Temesgen Alemu Tilahun is a development practitioner and scholar with a Ph.D. in Disaster Risk Science from Bahir Dar University, where he also engages in academic research and capacity building. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and dual master’s degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Business Administration (MBA). With over 14 years of experience in project and program management across international NGOs, he currently serves as Project Implementation Lead and Country Representative for VSO Ethiopia. Dr. Temesgen provides strategic leadership on programs related to employment, disaster risk reduction, education, peacebuilding, and health systems. His research and professional work focus on sustainable development, community resilience, and evidence-based policy implementation in Ethiopia.
Tesfahun Endalew
Tesfahun Endalew is a university lecturer and researcher at Salale University, Ethiopia, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and applied geospatial science. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Information Science at Addis Ababa University, his research emphasizes disaster risk analysis, climate change adaptation, and water resource management. Tesfahun’s expertise spans GIS, remote sensing, land use change, urban expansion, and waste management. Passionate about practical solutions, he integrates project management and scientific inquiry to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Dr. Wubante Fetene Admasu
Dr. Wubante Fetene Admasu is an Assistant Professor of Land Economics and Valuation at Bahir Dar University, where he also serves as Head of the Department of Real Property Valuation and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Land Policy and Governance. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Antwerp, an MSc in Land Management from KTH Sweden, and a BA in Economics from Addis Ababa University. With extensive academic and administrative experience, Dr. Wubante’s research blends quantitative valuation methods with participatory approaches, focusing on land and property valuation, land value capture, urban economics, and ecosystem services valuation. He has collaborated widely with public institutions, NGOs, and international organizations, contributing to policy-relevant, community-centered research and capacity building.
Mr. Yenesew Abebe
Mr. Yenesew Abebe is a Ph.D. student and lecturer at Bahir Dar University, with extensive experience in agricultural research and development. He holds BSc and MSc degrees from Haramaya University and has served in various research roles, from Junior to Associate Researcher, across multiple research centers in Ethiopia. Mr. Yenesew specializes in research proposal development, report writing, and data analysis using statistical software. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, proceedings papers, and working manuals, and has contributed to agricultural development projects. His academic and professional work continues to support evidence-based agricultural innovation and capacity building.
Dr. Yosef Kasa Alemu
Dr. Yosef Kasa Alemu is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Assosa University with over 13 years of experience in STEM education, leadership, and research. He holds a Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education from Addis Ababa University and advanced certifications in digital pedagogy and higher education teaching from institutions including Arizona State University. Dr. Kasa has taught mathematics at multiple universities and actively contributes to curriculum development, faculty training, and student mentorship. He has authored over nine peer-reviewed publications and presented at international conferences, bringing a strong blend of instructional expertise, research acumen, and grant writing skills to the advancement of higher education in Ethiopia and beyond.
Zerihun Yohannes Amare
Zerihun Yohannes Amare is an academic and development expert with over 15 years of experience across academia, government, and the humanitarian sector. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Management and multiple master’s degrees in International Cooperation, Urban Environmental Management, and Humanitarian Aid, alongside a BA in Management and an advanced diploma in Natural Resources Management. A faculty member at Bahir Dar University, he has served as Vice Academic Dean and Quality Assurance Director and currently lectures at various African universities through both in-person and online platforms. His research focuses on climate change, alternative energy, food security, and development.
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