Abebaw Agegne | Deep Learning | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abebaw Agegne | Deep Learning | Best Researcher Award

Debark University | Ethiopia

Abebaw Agegne Engda is an Ethiopian scholar and academic who has devoted his professional career to the advancement of computer science education and research while fostering strong community engagement and service. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Debre Tabor University with high academic distinction, completing his studies with a focus on programming, systems, and applied computing. He later pursued a Master of Science degree in Computer Science at the University of Gondar, where he further deepened his knowledge of computational theory, advanced software systems, and the practical applications of computer science in solving real-world challenges. His academic excellence is demonstrated by his strong cumulative performance in both degrees, which reflect a commitment to rigor and perseverance. Professionally, he began his teaching journey as an Assistant Lecturer at Debark University, where he taught undergraduate computer science courses and contributed to shaping the foundational knowledge of young scholars. Later, he advanced to the position of Lecturer at Debark University, where he continues to teach computer science students across a variety of specializations, delivering core programming, system analysis, and applied computing courses while contributing to other departments with harmonized curriculum approaches. His students have consistently benefited from his structured teaching style, with many advancing to careers in high-level companies and industries, demonstrating the practical effectiveness of his teaching methodologies. He is capable of teaching a wide range of programming languages and has also been recognized for his leadership within his department, guiding academic processes, curriculum harmonization, and student development initiatives. His research works and community service contributions are documented and accessible through his ORCID profile, reflecting his engagement with both scholarly and societal responsibilities. Beyond academics, he is a person of discipline, patience, and strong work habits, qualities that enhance his ability to serve effectively in challenging environments and to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and students. He is fluent in Amharic and English, which allows him to engage in both local and international academic contexts, and his hobbies such as reading, traveling, counseling, and cultural exploration reflect a personality committed to lifelong learning, empathy, and service to others. Overall, his biography presents the portrait of a self-respecting, fair, and hardworking educator who combines academic achievement, teaching excellence, research contributions, and community service, making him a valuable asset in the advancement of computer science education in Ethiopia and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

Asnake, N. W., Ayalew, A. M., & Engda, A. A. (2025). Detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma cancer using AlexNet on histopathological images. Discover Applied Sciences.

Ayele, M. K., Baye, G. A., Yesuf, S. H., Engda, A. A., & Mitiku, E. T. (2025). Predicting stunting status among under five children in Ethiopia using ensemble machine learning algorithms. Scientific Reports.

Engda, A. A., Salau, A. O., & Ajala, O. (2025). Classical machine learning approaches for early hypertension risk prediction: A systematic review. Applied AI Letters.

Engda, A. A., Zewale, G. E., Mihret, B. G., & Adane, A. T. (2025). Developing pneumonia detection model using chest X-ray images: Deep learning approach. Preprint.

Engda, A. A. (2025). Detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma cancer using AlexNet on histopathological images. Conference paper.

Engda, A. A. (2025). Development of a case-based reasoning system for onion disease diagnosis and treatment. Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Emerging and Sustainable Technologies for Power and ICT in a Developing Society.

Dr. Talent Diotrefe Banda | Artificial Neural Networks | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Talent Diotrefe Banda | Artificial Neural Networks | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Talent Diotrefe Banda, ZAKUMI Consulting Engineers, South Africa

Talent Diotrefe Banda is a highly accomplished civil engineer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in water science, AI, ANNs, and WQIs. He holds numerous qualifications, including a PhD in Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, an MBA from the University of Cape Town, and multiple degrees from the Tshwane University of Technology and Bulawayo Polytechnic. As the CEO of ZAKUMI Consulting Engineers, Talent has a robust professional background with memberships in ECSA, SAICE, SABTACO, WISA, and ZIE. He has received multiple academic and business excellence awards and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.

Professional Profiles:

Google Scholar

QUALIFICATIONS πŸŽ“

Master of Business Administration (MBA) – University of Cape Town, South Africa (2022)Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Civil) – University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa (2020)Master of Technology Degree in Engineering: Civil – Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa (2015)Bachelor of Technology Degree in Engineering: Civil – Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa (2011)National Diploma in Civil Engineering – Bulawayo Polytechnic, Zimbabwe (2003)National Certificate in Civil Engineering – Bulawayo Polytechnic, Zimbabwe (2001)

Talent Diotrefe Banda: Chief Executive Officer (Civil Engineer) 🌟

Employer: ZAKUMI Consulting Engineers (Pty) LtdName of Staff: Talent Diotrefe BANDADate of Birth: 19th of October 1982National Identity Number: 821019 5989 188Nationality: Zimbabwean with South African Permanent Residence PermitExperience: Twenty (20) yearsArea of Specialisation: Civil Engineering, Water Scientist, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Water Quality Indices (WQIs), Research Scientist

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP πŸ†

Professional Engineering Technician (Pr. Techni Eng) – Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)Registration Number: 201030123 from 06th of July 2010Member (MSAICE) – South Africa Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)Registration Number: 207890 from 06th of December 2007 (Changed from Associate Member on the 14th of December 2015)Member (MSABTACO) – South African Black Technical & Allied Careers Organization (SABTACO)Registration Number: LIMP/0095I from 22nd of October 2007Member (MWISA) – Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA)Registration Number: 25927 from 23rd of June 2014Graduate Technician (GradTZweIE) – Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE)Registration Number: ZIE073967 from 30th of April 2007Competent Person (Competent Engineer) – National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)Registration Number: 3000166150 from 01st of June 2016

PROFILE & KEY EXPERIENCE πŸ“ˆ

A multi-award-winning Civil Engineer with several university qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Civil) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Master of Technology in Engineering (Civil), and a Bachelor of Technology in Engineering (Civil) from the Tshwane University of Technology where he obtained an award for the Outstanding Research: Young Water Scientist of 2012 with WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP – SA for his paper entitled “Analysis of the gazetted pricing strategy for raw water use charges in South Africa”. Furthermore, Talent holds a National Diploma in Engineering (Civil) and a National Certificate in Engineering (Civil) from Bulawayo Polytechnic, where he received three academic awards. Dr. Banda is registered as a Professional Engineering Technician (Pr. Techni. Eng) with the Engineering Council of South Africa, where he is a serving member of the Registration Committee of Professional Engineering Technicians. He gained more than twenty (20) years of experience working on Civil Engineering Projects responsible for water and wastewater designs, roads and stormwater drainage, contract and tender documentation, project implementation, and management.Additionally, Talent has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business (GSB) in South Africa, where he obtained an academic award as the Best Student for the Economics for Business Module. Dr. Talent Banda has ten academic and business excellence awards from institutions of higher learning and corporate organizations in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Additionally, Talent has ten publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, master’s dissertations, and doctoral thesis. Dr. Banda serves as Peer Reviewer and Editor in three Academic Journals. Lastly, Talent holds key positions in various working groups, committees, and management boards. 

✍️Publications Top Note :

Development of Water Quality Indices (WQIs): A Review πŸŒŠπŸ“Š

Authors: TD Banda, MV Kumarasamy Journal: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies Volume: 29 (3) Citations: 74 Year: 2020

Application of Multivariate Statistical Analysis in the Development of a Surrogate Water Quality Index (WQI) for South African Watersheds πŸžοΈπŸ”¬

Authors: TD Banda, M Kumarasamy Journal: Water Volume: 12 (6), 1584 Citations: 62 Year: 2020

Development of a Universal Water Quality Index (UWQI) for South African River Catchments πŸŒπŸ’§

Authors: TD Banda, M Kumarasamy Journal: Water Volume: 12 (6), 1534 Citations: 34 Year: 2020

A Review of the Existing Water Quality Indices (WQIs) πŸ“šπŸ“ˆ

Authors: TD Banda, M Kumarasamy Journal: Pollution Research Volume: 39 (2), 489-514 Citations: 23 Year: 2020

Developing an Equitable Raw Water Pricing Model: The Vaal Case Study πŸ’°πŸ’¦

Author: TD Banda Institution: Tshwane University of Technology Citations: 11 Year: 2015

Aggregation Techniques Applied in Water Quality Indices (WQIs) πŸ”„πŸŒ

Authors: TD Banda, M Kumarasamy Journal: Pollution Research Volume: 39 (2), 400-412 Citations: 8 Year: 2020

Development of a Universal Water Quality Index and Water Quality Variability Model for South African River Catchments 🌊πŸ§ͺ

Author: TD Banda Year: 2020

Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-Based Water Quality Index (WQI) for Assessing Spatiotemporal Trends in Surface Water Qualityβ€”A Case Study of South African River Basins πŸ€–πŸŒ

Authors: TD Banda, M Kumarasamy Journal: Water Volume: 16 (11), 1485 Year: 2024