Alehegne Yirsaw
Tuskegee,AL
Summary
I am seeking opportunities In Industry, research, academia, or other roles that leverage my expertise In microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology, quality management (QA/QC), and data science. Biomedical Scientist and Veterinary Researcher with 20+ years of experience spanning microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, genomics, and ISO 17025 quality management. Published researcher with 1,197 citations, demonstrating strong scientific impact. My research includes triple-negative breast cancer, phage peptides as antimicrobial agents, γδ T cells (TCR/WC1), udder health and milk microbiology, zoonotic diseases, vaccines, and herbal therapies. I have served as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Animal Health Researcher, and Microbiology Department Head/Quality Manager. Holding a Ph.D. in Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences from UMass and an MIT certification in Data Science and Machine Learning, I am committed to advancing scientific knowledge through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and high-quality research practices.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Tuskegee University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Department
02.2021 - 07.2025
- Study three proteins to use them as a marker of how triple-negative breast cancer is progressing and to be used as a marker for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to treat Triple-negative breast cancer.
- Study the effects of a certain 17 amino acid peptides by inserting in the T88-4 vector to see their antimicrobial effects on certain pathogens.
- Study the immunopeptidome of colon cancer cells to see the effects of topoisomerase-inhibiting drug treatment.
- Cell culture, Protein purification, Western blots, Flow cytometry, RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, ELISA, Generation of genetic models via viral transduction, molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and Microscopy, MTT, wound healing Assay, Cell cycle Analysis, and colony forming Assay, and some other techniques used.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst
09.2014 - 01.2021
- The WC1 and TCR genes in goats were studied, with an emphasis on diversity, function, and comparability to cattle. The study sought to define gene number, arrangement, and sequencing. It assessed similarities and differences between goat breeds and cattle.
- Functional variations in pathogen response and cytokine production were also studied.
- The sheep WC1 genes were compared to those of cattle and goats.
- Blood collection from Goats, Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), RNA and/or DNA extraction, Primer design, PCR and qPCR processes, Ligation and molecular cloning, Bacterial transformation, Digestion of plasmids with various restriction enzymes, Sanger sequencing of plasmids and PacBio sequencing of PCR products, Data analysis from sequencing, Cell culture and flow cytometry, Genome annotation and bioinformatics analysis were used.
- Led experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations of findings at national and international conferences [Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) and International Veterinary Immunology Symposium (IVIS)].
Animal Health Researcher, Laboratory & Department Head (Bacteriology/Microbiology), and Quality Manager
Animal Health Institute (AHI, formerly NAHRC/NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia
03.2006 - 08.2014
- Animal Health Researcher and Microbiology laboratory department head (The Microbiology Department has five laboratories: General Bacteriology and Food Hygiene, Bacterial Serology, General Virology, Viral Serology, and Molecular Biology) (Sep 2008 – Jan 2012).
- Animal Health Researcher, Microbiology laboratory department head, and Quality Manager. Since our institute is mandated with research and referral diagnostic services (Feb 2012 - Aug 2014).
- Conducted comprehensive research on zoonotic diseases, providing timely diagnostics and analyses for outbreak investigations and export animal testing. Also provided disease surveillance and capacity building for 15 regional veterinary laboratories located in various states of the country, export abattoir workers, and technical assistants at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality management documents that comply with ISO 17025 standards, enhancing laboratory efficiency and reliability.
- Trained staff in microbiological techniques, facilitating successful accreditation for over 12 tests and 18 signatories from the South African Accreditation System (SANAS).
Microbiology Research Officer
Bahir Dar Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Ethiopia
09.2004 - 03.2006
- Implemented disease surveillance and outbreak investigations, contributing to regional public health initiatives.
- Conducted research and diagnostic services on Brucellosis and tuberculosis. The government had a scheme in place to send crossbred animals to local farmers, and we offered diagnostic services before their delivery.
District Veterinarian
Amhara Regional State, South Gondar Zone (Estie, Libokemkem, Fogera Districts)
11.1993 - 08.2002
- Coordinate disease prevention and treatment across all veterinarian clinics in the districts.
- Providing direct diagnostic and therapeutic care to large animals, including cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, sheep, and goats, small animals, including Dogs and cats, and chickens.
- Monitor the disease outbreaks in the district and then implement a vaccination program to minimize their spread.
- Reporting all disease outbreaks based on OIE formats.
- Extension Services and Farmer Education
- Availing Veterinary Drugs and Vaccines for the district.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement to curb illegal veterinary drugs.
Education
PhD - Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences (ABBS)
University of Massachusetts (UMass)
Amherst, MA, USA01.2021
MSc - Tropical Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University (AAU)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia01.2004
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) - Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University (AAU)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia01.1992
Skills
- Biomedical & Translational Research
- Expertise in immunology, cell biology, and protein characterization
- Skilled in functional cellular assays and advanced laboratory techniques, including cell culture, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR/qPCR, RNA/DNA extraction, microscopy, colony formation, wound healing, and cell cycle analysis
- Conducted research in triple-negative breast cancer, immunopeptidome profiling, γδ T cell (WC1/TCR) biology, pathogen response, and antimicrobial peptide activity
- Molecular Biology & Genetics
- Proficient in molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, viral transduction, and primer design
- Experienced in RNA / DNA sequencing technologies (Sanger, PacBio), genome annotation, and bioinformatics analysis
- Applied functional genomics approaches in livestock (goat and sheep WC1/TCR genes) and comparative gene studies
- Bioinformatics & Data Science
- Genomic data analysis, predictive modeling, statistical analysis, and data visualization
- MIT-certified in Data Science & Machine Learning
- Laboratory Management & Quality Systems
- Managing research and diagnostic labs, implementing ISO 17025-compliant quality systems, developing SOPs, validation, internal auditing, and regulatory compliance
- Staff training, accreditation support, and quality assurance in animal health, microbiology, and diagnostic labs
- Scientific Communication & Leadership
- Grant writing, manuscript preparation, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at national/international conferences
- Mentoring and teaching experience in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases across university and college programs
- Specialized Expertise
- Cancer biology, zoonotic diseases, vaccines, udder health, milk microbiology, herbal therapies, antimicrobial peptide research, and translational research design
Affiliations
- American Associations of Veterinary Immunology (AAVI)
- International Veterinary Immunology Symposium (IVIS)
- Conference of research workers in animal diseases (CRWAD)
- Ethiopian Veterinary Association (EVA)
Certification
- Data Science and Machine Learning Certificate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 2025.
- ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Quality Management: Internal Auditing, SOP Development, Validation, Measurement Uncertainty, Laboratory Management, Internal Assessor, Quality Assurance & Biosafety.
- Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution in Implementation of ISO/IEC 17025, Animal Health Institute (formerly NAHRC/NAHDIC).
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Tuskegee University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Department
02.2021 - 07.2025
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst
09.2014 - 01.2021
Animal Health Researcher, Laboratory & Department Head (Bacteriology/Microbiology), and Quality Manager
Animal Health Institute (AHI, formerly NAHRC/NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia
03.2006 - 08.2014
Microbiology Research Officer
Bahir Dar Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Ethiopia
09.2004 - 03.2006
District Veterinarian
Amhara Regional State, South Gondar Zone (Estie, Libokemkem, Fogera Districts)
11.1993 - 08.2002
MSc - Tropical Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University (AAU)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) - Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University (AAU)
PhD - Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences (ABBS)
University of Massachusetts (UMass)
AWARDS
2020 The National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC) [Currently renamed as Animal Health Institute (AHI)], Sebeta, Ethiopia, the 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary Awards for the outstanding contributions in implementing the ISO 17025 Quality management system in the institute., 2019 Graduate students travel awards to the International Veterinary Conference for Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) Immunologists Symposium (IVIS), Seattle, Washington., 2017 Graduate student travel awards to the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD), Chicago, 2013 Employee of the Year Awards at the National Animal Health Diagnostic Center [Now renamed Animal Health Institute (AHI)], Sebeta, Ethiopia.
Selected publications
- Bedi, Deepa, Mohammed Hassan, Alehegne Yirsaw, Biba Vikas, Pran Datta, and Temesgen Samuel. "The immunopeptidome of colon cancer cells treated with topoisomerase inhibiting drug reveals differential as well as common endogenous protein sampling and display of MHC I-associated peptides." Molecular & Cellular Oncology 12, no. 1 (2025): 2471640.
- Yirsaw, Alehegne W., Alexandra Gillespie, Fengqui Zhang, Timothy PL Smith, Derek M. Bickhart, Karthick P. Gunasekaran, Maria Amir, Haeree Park, Janice C. Telfer, and Cynthia L. Baldwin. "Defining the caprine γδ T cell WC1 multigenic array and evaluation of its expressed sequences and gene structure conservation among goat breeds and relative to cattle." Immunogenetics 74, no. 3 (2022): 347-365.
- Yirsaw, Alehegne W., Alexandria Gillespie, Emily Britton, Alyssa Doerle, Lisa Johnson, Susan Marston, Janice Telfer, and Cynthia L. Baldwin. "Goat γδ T cell subpopulations defined by WC1 expression, responses to pathogens and cytokine production." Developmental & Comparative Immunology 118 (2021): 103984.
- Gillespie, Alexandria*, Al Yirsaw*, Karthick P. Gunasekaran, Timothy P. Smith, Derek M. Bickhart, Michael Turley, Timothy Connelley, Janice C. Telfer, and Cynthia L. Baldwin. "Characterization of the domestic goat γδ T cell receptor gene loci and gene usage." Immunogenetics 73 (2021): 187-201 (*Both authors).
- Yirsaw, Alehegne, and Cynthia L. Baldwin. "Goat γδ T cells." Developmental & Comparative Immunology 114 (2021): 103809.
- Belayneh, Rediet, Kelay Belihu, and Alehegne Wubete. "Dairy cows mastitis survey in Adama town, Ethiopia." Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health 5, no. 10 (2013): 281-207.
- Firdessa, Rebumna*, Rea Tschopp*, Alehegne Wubete*, Melaku Sombo, Elena Hailu, Girume Erenso, Tellus Kiros et al. "High prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in dairy cattle in central Ethiopia: implications for the dairy industry and public health." PLoS one 7, no. 12 (2012): e52851 (*All three are first Authors).
Teaching Experience
- Instructor, Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health students at Tuskegee University, College of Veterinary Medicine since 2021.
- Teaching Assistant, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Massachusetts from 2014 – 2020.
- Instructor, Clinical Diagnosis, and General Animal Health at Kombolicha and Wereta, Agricultural Colleges for 1 and a half years.
Other Experiences
Served as executive board members of the Ethiopian Veterinary Association (EVA) from 2011 to 2014 for three years, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational governance within the veterinary community.