Mr. Nega Getachew

Head, Department of Geology

MSc in Engineering Geology

Background

Salale University established various academic departments in 2011 E.C., among which the Department of Geology was one of the pioneers. The department began with six lecturers, two technical assistants, and an initial enrollment of 26 students. Today, it stands as one of the largest departments within the College of Natural Sciences, currently serving 42 students across three cohorts at the General Tadesse Birru Campus.

Since its inception, the department has demonstrated strong potential through the recruitment and transfer of experienced academic staff, provision of scholarships for faculty development, and engagement in training and research activities. Over the past three years, the department has prioritized capacity building by enhancing its human resources and working toward the establishment of well-equipped laboratories, alongside its teaching and research efforts. These efforts reflect a significant transformation and a strategic approach toward achieving the broader vision and mission of Salale University.

Geologically, Ethiopia showcases rock formations ranging from the Precambrian era to the present. Salale, in particular, has been the site of major geological events in Earth’s history. The Blue Nile Basin, exposed in the eastern (Jema), western (Mugher Basin), and northern (Gowatsion) parts of Salale, plays a significant role in Ethiopia's cement industry. The region features Mesozoic sedimentary rocks overlain by vast deposits of Tertiary basalt. This geological setting offers rich potential for raw materials critical to various industries including cement, gypsum, glass, construction, and water resource development.

Recognizing the area's geological richness, the department has been actively engaged in producing highly qualified graduates and conducting impactful research. It offers a diverse and comprehensive range of geology courses, all enriched with practical field trips and supported by increasingly well-equipped laboratories. The department remains committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and contributing to national development through geoscientific knowledge.

Mission

By offering outstanding education and instruction that meets the nation's development requirements, producing qualified citizens who have knowledge, skills, and a professional attitude and standard of ethics; conducting and promoting research and serving in the3 community that addresses societal issues; to act as a capacity-building resource for the nation.

Vision

By 2030, the Department of Geology aims to become a nationally accredited center of excellence in geoscience education and research, actively supporting Salale University’s vision of becoming a leading comprehensive university in Ethiopia. The department is dedicated to excellence in teaching, innovative research, and impactful community engagement in the Earth sciences.

Motto/Headword

Based on the mission and vision of the institution, it was possible to set the motto of the university. This is presented as the motto suggests. "Co-Creating Quality!"

Departmental Plan

In alignment with the strategic goals of Salale University, the Department of Geology has set the following key priorities for the year 2030:

• Establish Fully Equipped Laboratories: The department aims to complete the setup of advanced laboratories to support practical training, research, and innovation in geology and related fields. These facilities will enhance hands-on learning experiences and contribute to the quality of both undergraduate and postgraduate education.
• Launch Master's Degree Programs (2027 G.C.): The department is preparing to open various MSc programs in the academic year 2027. These programs are designed to respond to national development needs by producing highly skilled professionals in specialized areas of Earth Sciences.
• Upgrade to a Professional School – School of Earth Sciences (2030G.C.) : One of the major strategic goals is to transform the Department of Geology into a School of Earth Sciences with a designated Center of Excellence. This transformation will support interdisciplinary research, promote academic excellence, and strengthen partnerships with industry and governmental institutions.

Research thematic area

Geology plays a vital role in the study of Earth materials and natural resources, both independently and in collaboration with other disciplines in the natural sciences. The Department of Geology focuses its research activities on the following key thematic areas:

Engineering geology

This area focuses on applying geological knowledge to solve engineering and constructionrelated problems. Research topics include:

• Assessment of the quality of building materials
• Soil and rock mechanics for construction and infrastructure development
• Engineering geological mapping for project planning
• Site investigations for the availability and suitability of construction materials
• Slope stability analysis and landslide risk assessments
• Groundwater exploration using geophysical and geological methods

Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology

This theme addresses the identification and utilization of mineral resources:

• Mineral exploration using integrated geophysical methods
• Identification and assessment of mineral potential areas
• Support for sustainable and environmentally responsible mining activities

Hydrogeology

This thematic area is focused on the study and management of groundwater resources:

• Assessment of groundwater potential in various catchments
• Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater and surface water systems
• Geological and hydrogeological mapping of water resource zones
• Isotope studies of groundwater and surface water to understand recharge and flow mechanisms
• Exploration techniques and well site selection (both shallow and deep) using geological, structural, and geophysical approaches
• Hydrogeological characterization of aquifers and catchments
• Recharge estimation and sustainability analysis of groundwater systems

Other Related Areas

The department also supports research in several interdisciplinary and emerging fields, including:

• Environmental geology (e.g., geohazards, land degradation, contamination)
• Structural geology and tectonic analysis
• Mineralogy and petrology for material identification and classification
• Petroleum and coal geology for fossil fuel exploration and resource evaluation

The Department of Geology is committed to advancing knowledge and providing scientific solutions to address national development needs through research, innovation, and collaboration

Main Roles and Responsibilities:

• Providing academic and administrative leadership to ensure the department meets its strategic goals
• Coordinating teaching, research, and community engagement activities
• Overseeing curriculum development and implementation
• Supporting staff development and training initiatives
• Ensuring quality assurance in academic delivery and student performance
• Representing the department in internal and external academic and professional forums

Staff Profile

The Department of Geology at Salale University is supported by a diverse and dedicated academic team committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community service. The current staff profile is as follows:

Staff Profile Details