Prof Tilahun Seyoum Workneh

Professor Tilahun Seyoum Workneh is academic staff of the discipline of Bioresources Engineering of the Shool of Engineering, Pietermaritzburg Campus. He received his BSc degree in Agricultural Engineering from Alemaya University (Haramaya University) in 1990, MEngSc degree from the National University of Ireland (University College Dublin) in 1996 and PhD degree from The University of Free State in 2003.

He has over 20 years of experience in a multidisciplinary research of Agricultural Engineering and teaching various courses in Agricultural Engineering and Agro-Processing Technology curricula. His research interest includes heat and mass transfer, hybrid drying technology, non-thermal food processing and preservation technologies, optimization and modelling of food processes, postharvest technology and process engineering of fruits and vegetables, food quality and food safety engineering, engineered systems for food production, environmental modification and control for biological systems.

He has published over 50 articles in multidisciplinary research areas of agricultural processing and postharvest technology of fruits and vegetables. He is a C2 NRF rated researcher. He has developed low-cost appropriate cooling technology that assist in the extension of shelf life of perishable commodities such as fruits and vegetables. He also developed an integrated agro-technology by combining pre-harvest and postharvest treatments of fruit and vegetables.

He is a member of the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) and professional member South African Association of Food Science and Technology (SAAoFST).