Alehegne Yirsaw
Tuskegee,AL
Summary
Accomplished biomedical and veterinary scientist with expertise in molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, and data science, developed through postdoctoral cancer research at Tuskegee University (CVM), graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on gamma delta T cells in livestock, and research and leadership roles at the Animal Health Institute (formerly NAHRC/NAHDIC). Experienced in host-pathogen interactions, translational cancer studies, zoonotic disease investigation, and infectious disease diagnostics, with proficiency in cell culture, viral transduction, molecular cloning, mutagenesis, PCR/qPCR, protein and nucleic acid analyses, flow cytometry, and immunological assays. Skilled in bioinformatics, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, with a record of 25+ peer-reviewed publications, 1,200+ citations, and presentations at national and international conferences. Recognized for integrating research excellence, laboratory leadership, and public health expertise to advance veterinary and biomedical sciences while mentoring students and fostering institutional and international collaborations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Assistant
Tuskegee University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Department
Tuskegee, AL
02.2021 - 07.2025
Research Experience
- Investigated three candidate proteins as biomarkers for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression and as potential targets for targeted therapeutic delivery.
- Engineered a 17-amino acid peptide into the T88-4 expression vector to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against selected pathogens.
- Characterized the immunopeptidomic profile of colon cancer cells to assess molecular responses to topoisomerase inhibitor treatment.
- Mammalian cell culture and viral transduction–based genetic model development
- Molecular cloning and site-directed mutagenesis
- Protein and nucleic acid analyses: purification, Western blotting, ELISA, PCR, and qRT-PCR
- Flow cytometry and microscopy
- Functional cellular assays: MTT, wound healing, cell cycle, and colony formation assays
- Designed and executed hypothesis-driven experiments in compliance with approved research protocols.
- Performed advanced molecular and cellular analyses to support translational research objectives.
- Analyzed and interpreted experimental data for peer-reviewed publications, grant proposals, and scientific presentations.
- Maintained rigorous documentation and ensured data integrity in accordance with institutional standards.
- Supported laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.
- Contributed to collaborative projects and mentored trainees as part of research and administrative activities.
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 (Microbiolog), and Quality Manager
Animal Health Institute (AHI, formerly NAHRC/NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia
03.2006 - 08.2014
Animal Health Researcher & Microbiology Laboratory Department Head
Animal Health Institute (formerly NAHRC/NAHDIC), Ethiopia | March 2006 – Aug 2014
- Led the Microbiology Department comprising five laboratories: General Bacteriology & Food Hygiene, Bacterial Serology, General Virology, Viral Serology, and Molecular Biology.
- Conducted research on zoonotic diseases, providing diagnostics, outbreak investigations, and export animal testing support.
- Oversaw disease surveillance and capacity building for 15 regional veterinary laboratories, abattoir staff, and technical assistants at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ISO 17025-compliant quality management documents, improving laboratory efficiency and reliability.
- Trained staff in microbiological techniques, enabling accreditation of over 12 tests and 18 signatories by the South African Accreditation System (SANAS).
- Managed laboratory operations as department head and quality manager, integrating research, diagnostics, and regulatory compliance.
Education
Ph.D. - Biomedical Sciences
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA02-2021
Master of Science - Microbiology
Addis Ababa University
07-2004
DVM Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University
07-1992
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Skills
Research & Molecular Expertise
- Extensive experience in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, and cancer biology through postdoctoral and graduate research roles
- Skilled in mammalian cell culture, lentiviral transduction, gene knockdown, PCR/qPCR, protein analysis (Western blot, ELISA), and flow cytometry
- Investigated host-pathogen interactions, immunopeptidomics, and biomarker discovery for cancer and infectious disease research
- Directed laboratory operations, staff, SOPs, and workflows as Microbiology Department Head
- Implemented and maintained ISO 17025-compliant Quality Management Systems, including audits, documentation, and corrective actions
- Ensured biosafety and regulatory compliance, including pathogen surveillance and diagnostic services
- Expertise in veterinary and public health, including outbreak investigations, disease surveillance, and diagnostic testing
- Proficient in bacteriology, microbial diagnostics, pathogen isolation, antimicrobial testing, and serology
- Provided technical guidance to government agencies, veterinarians, and stakeholders on disease control and laboratory diagnostics
- Experienced in teaching microbiology, immunology, and clinical diagnostics, including curriculum development and student mentoring
- Skilled in experimental design, biostatistics, data analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing for manuscripts, grants, and reports
- Presented research at national and international conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed publications
- Designed and executed hypothesis-driven experiments, including viral transduction–based genetic model generation, molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and immunological assays
- Conducted protein and nucleic acid analyses, including purification, Western blotting, ELISA, PCR/qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry
- Led diagnostic and research projects on zoonotic pathogens, infectious diseases, and cancer, ensuring scientific rigor and regulatory compliance
- Managed laboratory operations, procurement, inventory, equipment maintenance, and staff training for efficiency and quality
- Mentored and trained students, researchers, and laboratory personnel in molecular, microbiological, and immunological techniques
- Supported collaborative, grant-funded, and translational research projects, providing data analysis, reporting, and publication contributions
- Oversaw national and institutional disease surveillance initiatives and strengthened partnerships with universities, research organizations, and international collaborators
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).
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 are first 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 Sambo, 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).
AWARDS
- 2020: Silver Jubilee Award, National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC/AHI), for outstanding contributions to implementing ISO 17025 Quality Management System.
- 2019: Graduate Student Travel Award, International Veterinary Conference for Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) – Immunologists Symposium, Seattle, WA.
- 2017: Graduate Student Travel Award, Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD), Chicago, IL.
- 2013: Employee of the Year, National Animal Health Diagnostic Center (now Animal Health Institute, AHI), Sebeta, Ethiopia.
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, Ethiopia.
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.
Timeline
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 (Microbiolog), and Quality Manager
Animal Health Institute (AHI, formerly NAHRC/NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia
03.2006 - 08.2014
Ph.D. - Biomedical Sciences
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Master of Science - Microbiology
Addis Ababa University
DVM Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University