Alula Alemayehu Assen is an expert in the field of Animal Breeding and Genetics. He holds research master’s degree in animal Breeding and Genetics from Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands in 2017 and bachelor’s degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Hawassa University, Ethiopia in 2010. In 2017, he was a visiting scholar for six months at the Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, University of Georgia, USA worked on genomic selection using single step genomic prediction (ssGBLUP) approach. In his previous job tenure, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at Wollo University, Ethiopia, where he taught a range of courses such as Animal Breeding, Animal Genetics, Biostatistics, and different veterinary medicine courses. Besides, He conducted numerous research works as a principal investigator, project coordinator and co-investigator which are published in internationally reputable journals. He is interested in breeding program design and implementation, genomic selection, genome wide association studies (GWAS) and genetic parameter estimation of economically important traits. With his diverse academic, research and professional background, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge in animal breeding and genetics, particularly in livestock production.
In his current role as a Research Officer II- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ILRI, he plays a role in advancing ongoing poultry genetics research across diverse regions, including Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria) and Southeast Asia (Vietnam and Cambodia). His work focuses on developing and implementing genetic improvement programs tailored to the specific environmental and production challenges in these regions. Alula conducts research to improve poultry productivity, adaptability, resilience, disease resistance, and overall sustainability, ensuring that solutions are practical and beneficial for smallholder farmers. By collaborating with national partners and research teams, Alula helps to enhance poultry breeding programs that improve food security and livelihoods in both Africa and Southeast Asia.