- Biography:
Dr. Getachew Mekonnen Mengistie is a highly regarded astrophysicist and educator, specializing in Stellar astrophysics, Asteroseismology, and high energy. With a robust academic background, he has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding of celestial phenomena, particularly through the lens of high energy events in the universe. Dr. Mengistie graduated with a BEd, which reflects his commitment to education, allowing him to seamlessly integrate teaching with his research initiatives. Following this, he pursued master’s degrees in both Astrophysics and Physics, culminating in his PhD from North-West University, where he further honed his research focus. Dr. Mengistie has been an active lecturer in Physics, contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. His adeptness at fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment has earned him recognition as a mentor to many aspiring physicists and
astronomers.
Dr. Getachew Mekonnen Mengistie remains committed to the fields of astrophysics and education, equally prioritizing the advancement of research and the development of future scientists. His multifaceted expertise across various astrophysical disciplines epitomizes the spirit of interdisciplinary exploration in contemporary science.
Lecture ‘s the following modules:
- Computational Physics with Python 4PHY501
- Mathematical Methods of Physics and Computational Physics 4PHY501
- Advanced Statistical Physics 4PHY506
- Statistical and Quantum Mechanics 4PHY311
- Nuclear, Electromagnetism and Modern Physics 4PHY122
- Modern Physics, Photonics and Waves 4PHY212
- Classical Mechanics and Properties of Matter 4PHY111
- General Physics A for Engineers 4PHY171
- Nuclear Physics PHY322
- Advanced General Theory of Relativity ASTR645
- Atomic Physics PHYM216
- General Physics PHYM171
- Stellar Structure PHYS312
- Waves and Quantum Mechanics PHYM221
- Classical Mechanics PHYS311
Qualifications:
- PhD in Astrophysics, North-West University (NWU), South Africa
- MSc in Astrophysics and Space Science, National Astrophysics and Space Science
Programme (NASSP), Cape Town, South Africa - MSc in Physics (High Energy Astrophysics), Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
- Bachelor of Education (BEd), Jimma University, Ethiopia
Research interests:
Dr. Mengistie’s research primarily centres around the following areas:
- Stellar Variability/pulsation (Asteroseismology)
- High energy astrophysics
- Stellar evolution and populations
- Exoplanets, Gravitational Microlensing
- Astrobiology and the conditions for life beyond Earth
- Big Data and in astrophysics
- Computational astrophysics
- Indigenous knowledge in astronomy (Cultural astronomy)
Research Projects:
- Studying Stellar pulsation
- The effect of convection in stellar pulsation
- Stellar pulsation using KEPLER and GAIA data
- Production of Hard x-rays from accreting Neutron stars using Inverse Compton scattering
- Searching Extrasolar planets using Gravitational Microlensing
- Photometric mode identification formula for pulsating stars
- Indigenous Astronomy in KZN
- Development of Mode identification formula for non-radially pulsating stars including convection
Professional membership:
- South African Institute of Physics member and Certified Physicist
- South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions
- International Astronomical Society
- Member of the East African Astronomical Society
- Member of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS)