Top Ethiopian scientist honored by international news organization

Media organization Doha Debates announced that the latest individual honored in their SolvingIt series is Dr. Segenet Kelemu, one of Africa’s leading scientists and a role model for women in science and research around the world.
Doha Debate is a media organization based in Qatar and Washington, D.C. that engages people in conversations about global challenges through debates, town halls, podcasts, films and more.
Dr. Segenet Kelemu, who was born in Ethiopia and today resides in Kenya, is being recognized for her life’s work studying insects, human and plant health as a leading molecular pathologist. Through her role as Director General and CEO of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi, Dr. Kelemu’s leadership helps drive sustainable development, boost food security and fight poverty in more than 40 countries throughout Africa.
Born in Finote Selam, Ethiopia in 1957, Dr. Kelemu was interested in science as a young girl. She witnessed a plague of locusts attack her village in western Ethiopia and devastate the town’s grass and vegetation.