Dr. Yirsaw's research integrates environmental health, planetary health, climate change, and sustainability to address complex public health challenges through interdisciplinary and evidence-based approaches. His work combines environmental epidemiology, exposure science, toxicology, and health policy to strengthen climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems and promote sustainable development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. His research further explores the interactions between environmental change, human health, ecosystems, and sustainable development, with a focus on generating evidence that informs policy, strengthens health equity, and supports resilient communities.
Teaching Interests: Principles of Environmental Health; Occupational Health; Environmental Toxicology; Environmental Epidemiology; Climate Change and Public Health; Planetary Health;
Environmental Risk Assessment; Emerging Environmental Health Hazards; Air Pollution and Public Health; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Sustainable Development and Environmental Health.
Dr. Yirsaw's teaching philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, systems thinking, and the translation of scientific evidence into environmental health policy and practice. His research and teaching aim to equip future public health professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to address climate change, environmental degradation, occupational risks, and emerging environmental health challenges through evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches.
Selected Publications:
1.
Desalegn, B., Megharaj, M., Chen, Z., & Naidu, R. Green synthesis of zero valent iron nanoparticle using mango peel extract and surface characterization using XPS and GC-MS. Heliyon, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01750
2.
Desalegn, B., Megharaj, M., Chen, Z., & Naidu, R. Green mango peel nano-zero valent iron activated persulfate oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons in oil sludge contaminated soil. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2018.05.004
3.
Yirsaw, B. D., Mayilswami, S., Megharaj, M., Chen, Z., & Naidu, R. Effect of zero valent iron nanoparticles to Eisenia fetida in three soil types. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-5852-4
4.
Yirsaw, B. D., Megharaj, M., Chen, Z., & Naidu, R. Reduction of hexavalent chromium by green synthesized nano zero valent iron and process optimization using response surface methodology. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2015.11.003
5.
Yirsaw, B. D. Environmental application and ecological significance of nano-zero valent iron. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/nano-zero-valent-iron
6.
Yirsaw, B. D. Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Its Potential for Environmental Remediation and Eco-toxicity (PhD Thesis). University of South Australia, 2015. https://hdl.handle.net/11541/592571
7.
Beyene, H., & Yirsaw, B. D. Occupational risk factors associated with needle-stick injury among healthcare workers in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia. Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, 2014. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/occupational-risk-factors-associated-with-needlestick-injury-among-healthcare-workers-in-hawassa-city-southern-ethiopia-2329-6879.1000156.pdf
8.
Hunachew, M., & Desalegn, B. Solid Waste Characterization and Recycling Potential in Hawassa University, Ethiopia. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 2014. https://publications.waset.org
9.
Baye, S., Kloos, H., Mulat, W., Assayie, A., Gullis, G., Kumie, A., & Yirsaw, B. Assessment on the approaches used for water and sanitation programs in Southern Ethiopia. Water Resources Management, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-012-0137-9
