Dr. Tolessa Deksissa was recently awarded the Research Leadership Award at the 2022 BEYA STEM Conference for his contributions to environmental research, teaching, and training at the University of the District of Columbia. (Photo courtesy of UDC College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) blog)

Dr. Victor McCrary, UDC’s vice president for research and graduate programs, commended Dr. Deksissa for his expertise, research skills, and willingness to help others, making him a deserving recipient of the award.

Dr. Deksissa played a crucial role in establishing excellence in water and environmental research, teaching, and training students at the University of the District of Columbia. He led the establishment of UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences and serves as the director of the UDC Water Resources Research Institute.

Dr. Deksissa’s legacy includes developing new graduate and undergraduate courses for STEM education, pioneering and expanding UDC’s professional science master’s program, and securing millions of dollars in extramural funding.

He has also advised and mentored more than 50 graduate students and authored or co-authored over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

In his acceptance speech for the research leadership award presented at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Deans Event held during the BEYA STEM Conference, Dr. Deksissa shared his inspiring background.

He grew up in Ethiopia, raising cattle, sheep, and horses, and lived in a one-room house with no indoor plumbing. Despite the challenges, he pursued his dream of becoming a scientist, making his father proud.

“I grew up raising cattle, sheep, and horses in Ethiopia, where the family still raise oxen, ” Dr. Deksissa began in his acceptance speech for the research leadership award presented at the 2022 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Deans Event held during the BEYA STEM Conference. “We lived in a one-room house with no indoor plumbing,” he continued. “My six siblings and I ate barley, wheat, and maize for dinner or injera with milk almost seven days a week. There was a time when I had to walk for two days to get to school, as there was none near our house. I was the first generation to go to college, and my father’s dream for me was to become a lawyer, doctor, or engineer. When I started my Ph.D. studies, he told me ‘your name is given, but what you do, who you become is up to you.’ This award honors him.”

Dr. Deksissa’s research in water quality modeling provides valuable insights into the behavior of pollutants in various water systems. He uses this knowledge to devise strategies for water treatment, prevent contamination, secure safe drinking water supplies, and preserve aquatic ecosystems.

As the founding director of the professional science master’s program in water resources management and the Environmental Quality Testing Laboratory, he responds effectively to contamination incidents and guides water quality-related policy decisions. Dr. Deksissa is also passionate about creating awareness of water conservation and building resilience against the impending threat of climate change.

Dr. Deksiss frequently revisits books that reflect his passion for water management and sustainable development as an academic, such as “The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World” by Jeff Goodell and “The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water” by Charles Fishman. These books are constant companions on his journey as a water scientist, policy influencer, and educator, fueling his thirst for knowledge and driving his dedication to innovating in water management.

USBE magazine’s upcoming 2023 Environmental and Climate Issue will feature Dr. Deksissa and his impactful work.