Tsedey Michele Tsegaye

I am a biomedical researcher and health communication specialist dedicated to designing equitable, affordable, and evidence-based health innovations for underserved communities. My academic and professional work bridges biomedical engineering, science communication, and public health systems strengthening.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Bahir Dar University and a Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change, with a focus on health communication, from Temple University. I earned this degree through the prestigious Margaret Foti Scholarship from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

My early research centered on the design and development of diabetic footwear for patients with foot ulcers in Ethiopia. This work was published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at the International Conference on Engineering Innovation for Health Equity at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology. I later developed and presented a semi-active bionic leg and a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system at the Ethiopian International Conference on Orthopedics and Traumatology, focusing on rehabilitation and wound care solutions for low-resource environments.

Beyond medical device innovation, I have worked in science communication and digital advocacy. My investigative article “The Dark Side of TikTok”, published in Informare Online (Italy), explored how digital platforms amplify racial bias and human trafficking risks, contributing to global conversations on ethical technology and youth protection. At Temple University’s Center for Asian Health, I applied the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the sustainability of COVID-19 self-testing interventions in Asian American communities.

My work has been supported by STEMpower Inc., VISA, and the Ministry of Innovation in Ethiopia. I received a $30,000 innovation grant to implement a diabetic footwear project benefiting over 500 patients. I’ve also served as a Trainer of Trainers in innovation and digital financing through a STEMpower-VISA collaboration.

Currently, I am preparing a manuscript on Artificial Intelligence in Oncology in Ethiopia, examining AI’s potential to advance early cancer detection and equitable treatment access.

As a biomedical researcher grounded in health communication, I am committed to translating innovation into impact through co-creation, advocacy, and systems-based approaches that bridge technology and community health.

• Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety, Harvard Medical School
• Health Informatics: AI and Machine Learning, Temple University
• Soft Skills TOT Facilitation, GIZ and EU, 2023
• Entrepreneurship and Digital Financing, VISA & STEMpower Inc., 2022
• Data Management and Project Management, Bonn, Germany, 2023

• Opportunity for All Campaign - Disability inclusion campaign using EPPM
• AI in Oncology - Evaluation of Ethiopia's oncology data systems
• Women Abuse Awareness Campaign - Messaging to combat GBV in Ethiopia
• Postpartum Depression Study - Link between IPV and maternal mental health
• Malaria Prevention - Community health narratives and messaging
• Cross-Cultural Stress Study - Expert interviews across 3 countries
• Evaluating Health Information Systems and AI for Oncology

Design and Development of Diabetic Footwear for Patients with Foot Ulcers

• Ethiopian Journal of Public Health and Nutrition, Vol. 2, Issue 1
• Also presented at the International Conference on Engineering Innovation for Health Equity, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BiT), Ethiopia
  This research presents a user-centered therapeutic footwear design tailored for diabetic patients in low-resource settings. It emphasizes affordability, pressure redistribution, and local material usage. The publication has been cited by researchers at Harvard University, Columbia University, and other institutions, reflecting its academic influence and practical significance.
  📄 ISSN 2709-1341 | ejphn.ephi.gov.et

Design and Development of a Semi-Active Bionic Leg for Lower Limb Amputees
Proceedings of the Ethiopian International Conference on Orthopedics and Traumatology (EICOT), Addis Ababa
Introduced a semi-active bionic leg prototype with a mechanical knee joint and integrated sensory adaptation. The design is optimized for cost-effectiveness and repairability, addressing the mobility challenges faced by amputees in rural and underserved communities.

Mechanical Design of a Low-Cost Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) System
Proceedings of the Ethiopian International Conference on Orthopedics and Traumatology (EICOT), Addis Ababa
Presented an affordable NPWT device to promote wound healing among diabetic and post-surgical patients. The system features a vacuum-driven drainage mechanism and patient-safe pressure monitoring, tailored for use in clinics with limited resources.

Il lato oscuro di TikTok: Razzismo e traffico di esseri umani nell’era digitale (The Dark Side of TikTok: Racism and Human Trafficking in the Digital Age)
Informare Online, Italy
This widely shared advocacy article exposes how TikTok’s recommendation system can contribute to the spread of racial discrimination and human trafficking content. The piece calls for ethical accountability in platform algorithms and highlights the voices of marginalized digital communities.
📄 Read article

Artificial Intelligence in Oncology: Opportunities and Challenges in the Ethiopian Health System
In preparation for submission to a peer-reviewed global health journal
This upcoming manuscript explores the role of AI technologies in improving cancer diagnosis, treatment planning, and health system efficiency in Ethiopia. It critically analyzes infrastructural gaps, equity implications, and ethical considerations while proposing a framework for sustainable AI integration in oncology care.

• Margaret Foti Scholarship Recipient, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
  2024–2025
  Awarded for outstanding achievement in health innovation, science communication, and academic excellence as a graduate student in Communication for Development and Social Change.
• Employee of the Year, STEMpower Inc.
  2022
  Honored for exceptional leadership and dedication in advancing STEM education and biomedical innovation across Africa.
• Best Paper Award, AASTU Conference on Innovation for Sustainable Economy
  Recognized for presenting research on sustainable biomedical solutions to address public health needs.
• Certificate of Appreciation, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)
  For valuable contributions to national public health education and biomedical outreach campaigns.
• Creativity Award, University of Shenzhen & Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation
  Awarded for developing innovative biomedical devices and leading youth-centered science and technology initiatives.
• Certificate of Recognition, Ethiopian Diabetes Association
  Acknowledged for impactful health communication efforts and development of assistive devices for diabetes management.
• Outstanding Performance, Bahir Dar University
  Recognized for academic distinction and service during undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering.
• Innovation Award, Ministry of Innovation – Ethiopia
  2020
  National recognition for excellence in biomedical engineering innovation focused on chronic disease management.

• Innovation Implementation Grant, Ministry of Innovation – Ethiopia
  2020 | Amount: $30,000 USD
  Received a competitive national grant to implement a biomedical innovation project serving 500 diabetic patients with foot ulcers. Designed and distributed custom diabetic footwear to reduce complications and promote mobility in underserved rural communities.

• Certificate of Research Completion, Center for Asian Health – Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University
  2025
  Completed HDRI Summer Research Program focusing on health disparities, RE-AIM framework application, and community-based health communication strategies.
• Trainer of Trainers (ToT) – Innovation and Digital Financing, STEMpower & VISA Partnership
  Certified as a regional trainer in innovation practices, digital financial literacy, and youth entrepreneurship in Africa.
• Certificate of Excellence in Biomechanics Lab Curriculum Design, STEMpower Inc. (USA Office)
  Recognized for designing a cutting-edge biomechanics curriculum for African STEM centers, improving hands-on biomedical education.

• Diabetic Footwear Innovation for Rural Health
  Lead Researcher & Project Implementer | Ethiopia | Funded by Ministry of Innovation
  Designed, tested, and distributed therapeutic footwear to 500+ diabetic patients with foot ulcers. This project improved mobility, reduced infection risks, and demonstrated a scalable approach to diabetic care in low-resource settings.
• RE-AIM Framework Application in Pandemic Preparedness
  Research Intern | Temple University – Center for Asian Health
  Contributed to community-based research using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate COVID-19 self-testing initiatives in underserved Asian American communities. Work involved literature review, community partner engagement, and data visualization.