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Kokeb Dese

Kokeb Profile Picture

Graduate Student
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

BS, Biomedical Engineering, Jimma University, 2016 and MS, Biomedical Imaging, Jimma University, 2018

Kokeb Dese is a graduate student in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at West Virginia University. His doctoral project is focused on finding NEMO's switchable MRI signal using microfluidic tumor models (MTMs). This project aims to develop an innovative system to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and safety profile of pH-sensitive nano-, encapsulated manganese oxide (NEMO) particle contrast agents vs. conventional Gd-chelates using MRI and optical imaging of 3D MTMs. Furthermore, he is also interested in participating in the development of AI methods to analyze fluorescence lung intravital imaging data of neutrophils and platelets trafficking in the lung blood vessels of mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor.  

Kokeb received his BS degree in Biomedical Engineering from Jimma University in 2016, and his MS degree in Biomedical Imaging from the same institution in 2018. At Jimma University, he has served as an Assistant Lecturer to Assistant Professor academic rank under the School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology.

In his master's degree program, he focused on developing an artificial intelligence-based tool for the automatic diagnosis of leukemia (blood cancer) from microscopic blood images, which served as his thesis. Throughout his career, he has gained substantial experience in biomedical image analysis and the design of affordable biomedical devices. His expertise involves utilizing various tools and programming languages including Python, MATLAB, Arduino, and ImageJ to conduct in-depth research and perform laboratory experiments related to biomedical imaging and biosensor-based projects. He actively participated in various research projects including Mega projects, technology transfer projects funded by Jimma University, and Grand Challenges Ethiopia-funded Projects.

After graduate school, he is planning to pursue postgraduate studies, and eventually, teach at a university and/or join industry to enhance his contributions to the field of Biomedical Engineering in Ethiopia and beyond.