Research Interests
Soil Chemistry Soil Sciences Carbon capture and storage Environmental biogeochemistryMr Birhanu Iticha Ayanssa
Research Associate
Centre for Cancer Biology
College of Health
I am an enthusiastic researcher and learner with a strong commitment to mechanistic science. My PhD explored the interaction effects of lime and organic amendments on coupled soil acidity neutralisation and carbon dynamics, using state-of-the-art ¹³C isotope tracing to elucidate the underlying biogeochemical mechanisms. This research has equipped me with a comprehensive, mechanistic and applied understanding of soil acidity dynamics, amendment–soil interactions, and carbon biogeochemistry. I am currently a Research Associate at Adelaide University, where I investigate the potential of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) as a dual solution for atmospheric carbon capture and soil rejuvenation. The project spans a wide range of research activities, from laboratory studies to field experimentation across multiple locations in Australia. I enjoy connecting with researchers, industry partners, and domain experts. I can be reached at birhanuiticha.ayanssa@adelaide.edu.au.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Research Associate | University of South Australia |
| 2015 - 2015 | Natural Resources Management/Climate Change Technical Specialist | United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Ethiopia branch |
| 2008 - 2022 | Academic | Wollega University |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Scholarship | University of Adelaide Research Scholarship | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2023 | Achievement | National Soil Judging Competition, Australia | Soil Science Australia | Australia | - |
| 2021 | Recognition | Outstanding Researcher Award | Wollega University | Ethiopia | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| English | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - 2025 | University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD |
| 2013 - 2015 | Haramaya University | Ethiopia | MSc in Soil Science |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Acid Sulfate Soils Professional Short Course | Southern Cross University | Australia |
| 2015 | Higher Diploma Programme | Wollega University | Ethiopia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | Australian Society of Soil Science | Australia |
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | International Union of Soil Sciences | Italy |
| Date | Engagement Type | Partner Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Collaboration | Carbonaught Pty Ltd |
| 2023 - 2025 | Collaboration | Departmet of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia |
| Date | Topic | Presented at | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Measuring alkalinity of alternate liming products | - | GRDC | Australia |
| 2024 - 2024 | Water-extractable alkalinity to estimate the acid-neutralising capacity of organic amendments | HDR Symposium | University of ADelaide | Australia |
| 2023 - 2023 | Combining lime and organic amendments based on their titratable alkalinity for efficient amelioration of acidic soils | National Conference | Soil Science Australia | Australia |
| 2018 - 2018 | Digital soil information for precision agriculture | Conference | Wollega University | Ethiopia |