R
Tilahun Ferede Asena
Addis Ababa, Gullelie
Work Preference
Summary
Applied Biostatistician specialising in spatiotemporal health modelling, survival analysis, and Bayesian statistics. Delivered impactful research on climate variability and infectious disease dynamics, contributing to leading journals and establishing leadership within sub-Saharan biostatistics networks. Engaged in International Biometric Society and Ethiopian Biometric Society, focused on advancing methodologies in population health and causal inference.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of KwaZulu Natal
Durban
11.2024 - 11.2025
- Lead an independent research program, delivering at least 1 externally fundable grant proposal submission.
- Publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed articles, with one as first author in reputable indexed journals.
- Contributed to and actively participated in research conception, design and execution to address defined problems.
- Applied advanced statistical techniques to analyze complex datasets, revealing novel insights into the subject matter.
- Contributed to and actively participated in research conception, design and execution to address defined problems.
- Analysed results using analytical software, producing detailed reports to support research findings.
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of KwaZulu Natal
Durban
11.2024 - 11.2025
- Managed independent research program, driving proposal development for external funding.
- Achieved publication in reputable indexed journals with first-author article included.
- Achieved publication in peer-reviewed journals through authoritative scientific paper authorship.
- Deliver research outcomes by conceiving, designing, and executing studies for defined problems.
- Applied advanced statistical methods to drive data-driven discovery across complex subject datasets.
- Drove informed decisions by analyzing results with analytical software and reporting findings.
DATA ANALYSIS LEARNING AND REPORTING SPECIALIST
World Vision Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
07.2024 - 11.2025
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather data requirements, ensuring timely delivery of accurate reports to stakeholders.
- Analysed data using applications and tools to compile and visualise historical information for reporting insights.
- Created user-friendly dashboards and visualizations, enabling stakeholders to easily interpret complex data sets.
- Leveraged advanced Excel functions and formulas to manipulate large data sets, improving overall reporting speed and efficiency.
- Automated repetitive tasks and optimised database queries to enhance report generation efficiency.
- Trained colleagues on reporting best practices, contributing to improved team efficiency and performance.
- Consistently met strict deadlines, delivering high-quality reports under tight time constraints.
- Assessed report and data requirements to identify the optimal technology solution and format.
Data Analysis Learning and Reporting Specialist
World Vision Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
07.2024 - 11.2025
- Leveraged applications and tools to analyze data, compile and visualize historical information.
- Increased efficiency in report generation by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing database queries.
- Consistently met strict deadlines, delivering high-quality reports under tight time constraints.
- Trained colleagues in the best practices for reporting, improving overall team efficiency and performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather data requirements, ensuring timely delivery of accurate reports to stakeholders.
- Leveraged advanced Excel functions and formulas to manipulate large data sets, improving overall reporting speed and efficiency.
- Created user-friendly dashboards and visualizations, enabling stakeholders to easily interpret complex data sets.
- Assessed report and data requirements and determined best technology solution, format and distribution method.
DATA MANAGER (SENIOR BIOMATISTICIAN)
Ethiopian Public Health Institute
Addis Ababa
03.2021 - 06.2024
- Conduct advanced statistical and biostatistical modeling for at least 3 projects per year, applying reproducible analytical workflows and generating actionable insights.
- Oversee data management for research projects, implementing standardized cleaning and validation protocols to maintain ?95% data completeness and quality benchmarks annually.
- Enhanced data integrity and efficiency by implementing robust validation, quality control, and streamlined data entry processes, resulting in reduced errors and increased reliability.
- Delivered capacity-building initiatives through two annual training workshops on data management and statistical methods, providing ongoing technical support to research teams.
- Produced technical reports and policy briefs, delivering annual analytical reports and two stakeholder presentations to support informed decision-making.
Data Manager (Senior Biostatistician)
Ethiopian Public Health Institute
Addis Ababa
03.2021 - 06.2024
- Oversee data management for research projects, implementing standardized cleaning and validation protocols to maintain ≥95% data completeness and quality benchmarks annually.
- Conduct advanced statistical and biostatistical modeling for at least 3 projects per year, applying reproducible analytical workflows and generating actionable insights.
- Produce technical reports and policy briefs, delivering annual analytical reports and 2 stakeholder presentations per year to inform people about decisionmaking.
- Deliver capacity-building initiatives, including 2 training workshops or seminars annually on data management and statistical methods, with ongoing technical support to research teams.
- Enhance data integrity and efficiency by implementing robust validation, quality control, and streamlined data entry processes, resulting in measurable reductions in errors and improved productivity.
SENIOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST
Absolute Value Training and Consultancy Center
Addis Ababa
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Leveraged digital monitoring and evaluation solutions to optimize data management processes, improving overall reporting accuracy and timeliness.
- Streamlined data collection processes, enhancing accuracy of analysis and informing decision making.
- Incorporated innovative data visualization techniques in the presentation of complex programmatic information, facilitating stakeholder understanding.
- Ensured timely submission of high-quality donor reports by closely collaborating with program teams during the report-writing process.
- Supported the design of surveys, assessments, and other data collection tools tailored to specific programmatic needs.
- Assessed existing workflows to identify inefficiencies. to develop improvement plans.
- Leveraged on-site observation and personal interviews to identify team strengths and inform capacity-building initiatives.
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Absolute Value Training and Consultancy Center
Addis Ababa
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Incorporated innovative data visualization techniques in the presentation of complex programmatic information, facilitating stakeholder understanding.
- Leveraged digital monitoring and evaluation solutions to optimize data management processes, improving overall reporting accuracy and timeliness.
- Streamlined data collection processes for accurate analysis and informed decision making.
- Supported the design of surveys, assessments, and other data collection tools tailored to specific programmatic needs.
- Ensured timely submission of high-quality donor reports by closely collaborating with program teams during the report-writing process.
- Assessed existing processes, identifying improvement areas to develop actionable plans.
- Leveraged on-site observation and personal interviews to identify team and individual strengths.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch
07.2019 - 12.2024
- Teach different courses per year with at least 30 contact hours per semester and maintain more than 90% student evaluation scores.
- Publish at least 2 peer-reviewed articles annually, present at more than 2 conferences, and submit 1 grant proposal per year.
- Supervised at least 2 postgraduate and 3 undergraduate students annually, facilitating their timely completion of studies.
- Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
- Developed materials and exercises that effectively illustrated application of course concepts.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
- Fostered collaborative relationships with colleagues through participation in joint projects and research initiatives.
Assistant Professor
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch
07.2019 - 12.2024
- Supervised or co-supervise at least 2 postgraduate and Attended various conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay updated on subject matter. undergraduate students per year supporting timely completion.
- Teach different courses per year with at least 30 contact hours per semester and maintain more than 90% student evaluation scores.
- Publish at least 2 peer-reviewed articles annually, present at more than 2 conferences, and submit 1 grant proposal per year.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of subject matter by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to the field of study. . 3
- Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
- Strengthening relationships with colleagues by participating in collaborative projects and research endeavors.
- Strengthening relationships with colleagues by participating in collaborative projects and research endeavors.
RESEARCH CONSULTANT
University of Hasselt
Hasselt
01.2018 - 08.2020
- Conducted quantitative analysis of targeted data, contributing to data-driven report preparation.
- Utilized statistical packages to analyze data and create visualizations.
- Streamlined data collection processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in research projects.
- Collected and categorised data, supporting comprehensive analysis for research projects.
- Reviewed technical and professional publications and journals to stay current on recent literature and make more strategic research decisions.
- Detailed study findings and updated research upon new discoveries.
Research Consultant
University of Hasselt
Hasselt
01.2018 - 08.2020
- Streamlined data collection processes for improved efficiency and accuracy in research projects.
- Utilized statistical packages to analyze data and create visualizations.
- Streamlined data collection processes for improved efficiency and accuracy in research projects.
- Performed accurate quantitative analysis of targeted data research, collection and report preparation.
- Reviewed technical and professional publications and journals to stay current on recent literature and make more strategic research decisions.
- Compiled and summarised study findings for clarity. and updated research upon new discoveries. . 4
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Hawassa University
Hawassa
11.2014 - 12.2017
- Evaluated experimental results using analytical software to draw conclusions and generated detailed reports for stakeholder review.
- Documented and analysed experimental data to produce comprehensive reports on findings.
- Conducted literature reviews to develop hypotheses and identify knowledge gaps, informing future research directions.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
Research Assistant
Hawassa University
Hawassa
11.2014 - 12.2017
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports.
LECTURER
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch
07.2012 - 10.2014
- Applied innovative teaching methods, enhancing student engagement and achievement of learning objectives.
- Conducted research on pedagogical methods, integrating findings into teaching practices to enhance student learning.
- Assessed student learning outcomes, refining teaching methods to align with educational goals.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Managed large class sizes effectively, maintaining an orderly learning environment conducive to student success.
- Conducted individual research projects, contributing to advancement of institution's research initiatives.
Lecturer
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch
07.2012 - 10.2014
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Managed large class sizes effectively, maintaining an orderly learning environment conducive to student success.
- Completed individual research projects to support institutional objectives. to actively contribute to institution's research work.
- Conducted research on pedagogical methods, integrating findings into teaching practices to enhance student learning.
- Assessed student learning outcomes, refining teaching methods to better meet educational goals.
- Completed individual research projects to support institutional objectives. to actively contribute to institution's research work.
GRADUATE ASSISTANT
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch
09.2009 - 07.2012
- Developed and maintained structured student databases and tracking systems to enhance data accessibility and usage.
- Managed grading, scheduling, and record-keeping to support efficient operations within academic departments.
- Organised tutoring sessions for students needing assistance with course material, fostering improved academic performance.
Graduate Assistant
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch
09.2009 - 07.2012
- Managed administrative tasks such as grading, scheduling, and record-keeping to ensure smooth operations within academic departments.
- Developed and managed organized, orderly student databases and tracking systems.
- Improved academic support by organizing tutoring sessions for students struggling with course material.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Wits School of Public Health and Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
01.2026 - Current
- Conducted in-depth research on spatiotemporal modeling of climate effects on health, informing public health strategies and interventions.
- Utilized cutting-edge analytical tools to uncover novel insights from complex datasets.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams on projects, contributing to innovative solutions and research outcomes.
- Assisted in supervising master's and PhD students, advising on research design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation to enhance academic outcomes.
- Mentored junior researchers, facilitating skill development and promoting academic excellence.
- Delivered teaching activities at postgraduate level, enhancing student understanding and engagement.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
01.2026 - Current
- Conducted in-depth research on spatiotemporal modeling of climate effects on health, informing public health strategies and interventions.
- Assisted in supervising master's and PhD students, advising on research design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation to enhance academic outcomes.
- Delivered lectures and facilitated discussions for postgraduate courses, enhancing student engagement and understanding of subject matter.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop project strategies and solutions, driving innovative approaches to research challenges. . 2
- Utilized cutting-edge analytical tools to uncover novel insights from complex datasets.
- Mentored junior researchers, fostering a supportive environment for skill development and academic growth.
- Wits School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and
Education
Teaching Pedagogy - Teaching Methodology
Arba Minch University
Arba Minch, Ethiopia09-2014
PhD - Applied Statistics (Biostatistician)
Hawassa University
Hawassa, Ethiopia07-2019
master's degree - Applied Statistics
Hawassa University
Hawassa, Ethiopia07-2012
bachelor's degree - Statistics
Hawassa University
Hawassa, Ethiopia07-2009
Skills
- Epidemiological Analysis
- Epidemiological Modelling
- Spatiotemporal modeling
- Statistical modeling
- Data Analysis
- Data Wrangling
- Data mining
- Survey design
- Experimental design
- R Programming
- SAS Programming
- Public Health Strategy
Websites, Portfolios, Profiles
Dr. Tilahun Ferede Asena is an experienced applied biostatistician and Assistant Professor specializing in spatiotemporal health modeling, survival analysis, and Bayesian statistics. He holds a PhD in Applied Statistics and currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health. With over a decade of experience across academic and international health systems, Dr. Asena has led critical research on climate variability and infectious disease dynamics published in top-tier journals like The Lancet Neurology. A recognized leader in sub-Saharan research networks, he is the President of the Ethiopian Biometric Society and Chair of the International Biometric Society Sub-Saharan Africa Network (IBS-SUSAN).
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
0000-0001-9282-9809
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Postdoctoral Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand
REFEREES
- Professor Kassu BeyeneInstitution: Arizona State University, United States
Contact Details: Email: kassu.beyene@asu.edu | Phone: +1 602 358 5701
- Associate Professor Derbachew TeniInstitution: Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Contact Details: Email: dasfaw469@gmail.com | Phone: +251 946 555 818Context: You have previously co-authored peer-reviewed research on childhood malnutrition alongside Dr. Teni.
- Professor Girma Taye AwekeInstitution: Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Contact Details: Email: girmataye@gmail.com | Phone: +251 9 [emergency services] 769 926
RESEARACH INTEREST
Spatial and spatiotemporal modelling; Bayesian hierarchical modelling; survival and multistate models; population health and longitudinal data analysis; causal inference in epidemiology.
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Young statistician competition winner from Africa. Young Statistician Showcase Session an award winner of the Young Statistician's Showcase on the 29th International Biometric Conference (IBS2018), 8-13 July 2018, Barcelona, Spain., Travel Grant to attend an international summer school 'The Demography of Health and Education' held at the premises of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), in Vienna from 6 to 15 June 2016.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Ethiopian Biometric Society (EBS)-President
- Ethiopian Statistical Association (ESA)-Member
- International Statistical Institute (ISI)-Member
- International Biometrical Society (IBS)-Member
- International Union for Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP)-Member
Affiliations
- Ethiopian Biometric Society (EBS) - President
- Ethiopian Statistical Association (ESA) - Member
- International Statistical Institute (ISI) - Member
- International Biometrical Society (IBS) - Member
- International Union for Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) - Member
References
- Professor Kassu Beyene
- Institution: Arizona State University, United States
- Contact Details: Email: kassu.beyene@asu.edu | Phone: +1 602 358 5701
- Associate Professor Derbachew Teni
- Institution: Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
- Contact Details: Email: dasfaw469@gmail.com | Phone: +251 946 555 818
- Professor Girma Taye Aweke
- Institution: Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
- Contact Details: Email: girmataye@gmail.com | Phone: +251 9 11769 926
Publications
1. Baruwa, O. J., Kalonga, D., Achilonu, O., Eweamade, J., Asena, T., Fadiji, O. C., Singini, M. G., Adebiyi, A. O., & Gwebu, H. (2026). Socio-demographic and spatial inequalities in hepatitis B testing uptake in Nigeria: Analysis of the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Discover Public Health. Accepted for publication.
2. Agweng, F., Atuyambe, L., Natuhamya, C., et al., including Asena, T. (2026). A spatio-temporal modelling of climate variability on respiratory disease morbidity in Kampala city, Uganda. BMC Public Health.
3. Tento, T., Kumaso, S., Ahmed, S., Asena, T., et al. (2026). Determinants of recovery time from cholera in a conflict-affected agro-pastoral region of Ethiopia: Evidence from survival models. Conflict and Health.
4. Naidoo, A., Asena, T. F., Naidoo, K., Ramsuran, V., et al. (2025). A preliminary analysis of the impact of pharmacogenetic variation on bictegravir and dolutegravir concentrations in individuals with HIV and tuberculosis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 91(1), 11–12.
5. Steinmetz, J. D., Seeher, K. M., Schiess, N., Nichols, E., Asena, T. F., et al. (2024). Global, regional, and national burden of nervous system disorders, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Neurology, 23(4), 344–381.
6. Tessema, T., Asena, T. F., et al. (2022). Risk factors for neonatal hypothermia at Arba Minch General Hospital, Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0267868.
7. Merera, A., Asena, T., & Senbeta, M. (2022). Bayesian multilevel analysis of acute respiratory infection in Ethiopian children. BMC Pediatrics, 22, 123.
8. Asena, T. F., & Goshu, A. T. (2017). Comparison of sojourn time distributions in modeling HIV/AIDS disease progression. Biometrical Letters, 54(2), 155–174.
9.Asena, T. F., & Girma, T. A. (2013). Multilevel modelling of modern contraceptive use among rural and urban populations of Ethiopia. American Journal of Mathematics and Statistics, 3(1), 1–16.
Affiliations
Wits School of Public Health and Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Software
Stata
SAS
MLwiN
Python
MATLAB
Interests
Spatial and spatiotemporal modelling; Bayesian hierarchical modelling; survival and multistate models; population health and longitudinal data analysis; causal inference in epidemiology
Languages
Amharic
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Wits School of Public Health and Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand
01.2026 - Current
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of the Witwatersrand
01.2026 - Current
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of KwaZulu Natal
11.2024 - 11.2025
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of KwaZulu Natal
11.2024 - 11.2025
DATA ANALYSIS LEARNING AND REPORTING SPECIALIST
World Vision Ethiopia
07.2024 - 11.2025
Data Analysis Learning and Reporting Specialist
World Vision Ethiopia
07.2024 - 11.2025
DATA MANAGER (SENIOR BIOMATISTICIAN)
Ethiopian Public Health Institute
03.2021 - 06.2024
Data Manager (Senior Biostatistician)
Ethiopian Public Health Institute
03.2021 - 06.2024
SENIOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST
Absolute Value Training and Consultancy Center
09.2020 - 03.2021
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Absolute Value Training and Consultancy Center
09.2020 - 03.2021
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Arba Minch University
07.2019 - 12.2024
Assistant Professor
Arba Minch University
07.2019 - 12.2024
RESEARCH CONSULTANT
University of Hasselt
01.2018 - 08.2020
Research Consultant
University of Hasselt
01.2018 - 08.2020
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Hawassa University
11.2014 - 12.2017
Research Assistant
Hawassa University
11.2014 - 12.2017
LECTURER
Arba Minch University
07.2012 - 10.2014
Lecturer
Arba Minch University
07.2012 - 10.2014
GRADUATE ASSISTANT
Arba Minch University
09.2009 - 07.2012
Graduate Assistant
Arba Minch University
09.2009 - 07.2012
Teaching Pedagogy - Teaching Methodology
Arba Minch University
PhD - Applied Statistics (Biostatistician)
Hawassa University
master's degree - Applied Statistics
Hawassa University
bachelor's degree - Statistics
Hawassa University