BK21 and Samil Cultural Foundation Scholar, Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu from Ethiopia, Pursues a PhD in Computer Engineering at Pusan National University in South Korea

Hello! My name is Tesfahunegn Minwuyelet Mengistu, though many call me Tesfahunegn or Tesfish. I came from the Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BIT), Bahir Dar University (BDU), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. BIT, a cornerstone of Bahir Dar University, is one of Ethiopia's most prestigious and oldest technology institutions. Founded in 1963 through a partnership between Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union, BIT has been instrumental in advancing technoogical education and research. Situated in the picturesque city of Bahir Dar, near Lake Tana and the Blue Nile River, the institute was initially part of the Bahir Dar Polytechnic (BIT's predecessor), which merged with the Bahir Dar Pedagogy Academy to form Bahir Dar University in 1999. Established on May 6, 2000, BDU has since grown into one of the largest and most prominent public universities in Ethiopia, with BIT continuing to lead the nation in technology and engineering education.

Bahir Dar, a city that rests on the tranquil shores of Lake Tana, is home to ancient island monasteries that whisper stories of centuries past. The mighty Blue Nile Falls—Tis Abay (Tis Issat), meaning "Great Smoke," or "the water that smokes"—cascades with poetic power. The name describes the massive, billowing cloud of mist and spray created by the powerful waterfall as it crashes down a chasm. The vapor is so dense that it resembles smoke, particularly during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak.

Growing up amid this rich symphony of culture, history, and nature inspired within me both wonder and duty: the wonder to dream and the duty to give back. From the scent of roasted coffee beans at dawn to the breeze carrying the scents of palm, eucalyptus, and Ficus Vasta trees, intertwined with the laughter of childhood, my roots remain deeply embedded in Ethiopia's heart. Today, I walk the shores of Busan, South Korea, pursuing a PhD in Computer Engineering at Pusan National University (PNU).

My research interests include Edge AI, Federated Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Transfer Learning, and Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning for IoT systems and Wireless Sensor Networks. I focus on challenges related to non-IID data and heterogeneous environments in distributed learning, with applications in healthcare AI, assistive technologies, and OCR for low-resource languages. My work aims to transform challenges into opportunities, using AI for social good.

Brain Korea 21 (BK21) and Other Scholarship Details

I have been honored to receive multiple prestigious scholarships and awards that made my academic journey possible:

• Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Scholarship & Research Projects Scholarship (2023–present) – Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, and research support under BK21 and by supervising professor.
•  PNU Scholarship for International Students
  • Entrance Scholarship: 50% tuition waiver for the 1st semester
    Eligibility: Must hold TOPIK Level 4 or demonstrate English proficiency (iBT 80, IELTS 5.5, TOEIC 675 or higher). Awarded: Received an entrance scholarship in 2023 for achieving a high IELTS score, valued at approximately ₩1,200,000.
  • Academic Performance Scholarship: 50% tuition waiver from the 2nd semester
    Eligibility: Must maintain a GPA of 4.00+ in the previous semester.
    Awarded: Maintained a GPA of 4.00+ for 2024 and 2025, earning a school scholarship totaling ₩3,272,500.
• PNU International Special Scholarship for Stipends
  • Resettlement Stipend: One-time award of ₩3,000,000 in the 1st semester.
• Samil Cultural Foundation Scholarship (2024 & 2025) – Merit-based award covering tuition up to ₩5,000,000 per semester.
• CIFAR Inclusive AI Scholarship (2024 & 2025) – Supported my participation in the Deep Learning + Reinforcement Learning Summer School in Toronto & Edmonton, Canada. Awarded a scholarship valued at $4250 each to attend and complete DLRL summer school training.
• Earth Charter International Scholarship (2024) – Awarded a scholarship valued a $299 to attend and complete the 10-week Leadership, Sustainability, and Ethics program.
• Travel Grants & Awards valued a $1800 – Supported participation at CVPR 2023 & 2024, NeurIPS 2022 (Black in AI workshop), SPIE Medical Imaging 2024, and ML4H Symposium 2023.

These scholarships and recognitions were not only financial lifelines but also pathways into global networks, mentorship, and research ecosystems that continue to shape my career.

Educational Background

My educational journey spans from Ethiopia to South Korea, anchored in both technical rigor and cultural exchange and also woven with resilience and curiosity.

• Pusan National University (PNU), South Korea
  • PhD in Computer Engineering (2023–2025) GPA 4.04/4.5 (First Class with Great distinction)
• Bahir Dar University (BDU), Ethiopia
  • MSc in Software Engineering (2017–2019) – GPA 3.82/4.00 (First Class with Great Distinction).
  • Higher Diploma Program (2018–2019) – Professional license for Ethiopian university educators.
  • BSc in Computer Science (2013–2017) – GPA 3.60/4.00 (First Class with Distinction).
• Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), Ethiopia
  • Chinese Language (HSK Level 1 & Level 2, 2014–2016) – Scores: 184/200 (HSK1) and 180/200 (HSK2).
• Amhara National Regional State TVET Agency, Ethiopia
  • Certificate in Basic Computer Skills (2013) – Grade: 3.66/4.00.

Research & Publications

My research journey is centered around the convergence of AI, healthcare, inclusivity, and sustainability, with a particular focus on federated learning, medical imaging, and assistive technologies. Through my work, I strive to strike a balance between technological innovation and human-centered solutions, aiming to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and impactful service. The core of my research lies in harnessing AI to create solutions that improve lives while maintaining ethical integrity and inclusivity.

By September 2025, several of my works will have contributed significantly to these fields, including:

• “Breast Cancer Stage Identification Using Machine Learning” (2024)
• “Optimal Model Transfer and Dynamic Parameter Server Selection for Efficient Federated Learning in IoT-Edge Systems with Non-IID Data” (2024)
• “A Survey on Heterogeneity, Security, and Privacy in IoT, WSN, and Federated Learning” (2024)
• “Transfer Learning with Pre-Trained CNNs for Breast Cancer Stage Identification” (2023)
• “OCR System for the Recognition of Ethiopic Real-Life Documents” (2022)
• “Design and Development of an Autonomous Smart Stick for the Visually Impaired” (2022)

These contributions have been published in prestigious journals such as IEEE, Springer Nature, and Sensors, all of which are SCIE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science indexed. Through these publications, I have gained invaluable insights into state-of-the-art research, while also advancing the practical applications of AI in addressing real-world challenges in healthcare and accessibility.

The experience of publishing in highly regarded, peer-reviewed journals has strengthened my understanding of the rigorous scientific process, refined my technical writing skills, and deepened my commitment to producing high-quality, impactful research. Engaging with these prestigious platforms has not only validated my research but also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to scientific communities working toward sustainable and inclusive technological advancements.

Conference Presentations

• “Optimizing Federated Learning on Non-IID Data with Cosine Similarity-Driven Client Selection and Retraining”
  ICMIC 2025, Cebu, Philippines, August 27-30, 2025
• “State-of-the-Art Research Trend on Taxonomy and Impact of Heterogeneity in Federated Learning”
  UCWIT, Pusan, South Korea, November 24-25, 2023
• “Breast Cancer Stage Identification Using Machine Learning”
  Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization for Sustainable Development, 10th EAI International Conference, ICAST 2023, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, November 4-6, 2023
• “Transfer Learning with Pre-Trained CNNs for Breast Cancer Stage Identification”
  Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization for Sustainable Development, 10th EAI International Conference, ICAST 2022, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, November 4-6, 2022
• “Design and Development of an Autonomous Smart Stick Framework for Assisting Visually Impaired People”
  Advances of Science and Technology: 9th EAI International Conference, ICAST 2021, Hybrid Event, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, August 27-29, 2021

Presenting at international conferences has profoundly shaped my academic and professional development. These opportunities have enabled me to engage with groundbreaking research, collaborate with thought leaders, and share my own work with a global community. Topics such as Federated Learning, Machine Learning in healthcare, and assistive technologies have broadened my expertise, while enhancing my ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a diverse audience.

The constructive feedback and insightful discussions that followed each presentation have been invaluable in refining my research methods, exploring innovative solutions, and sharpening my problem-solving skills. These experiences have fostered my critical thinking, keeping me at the forefront of emerging trends in AI and digitalization.

Professional Experience

My career path blends teaching, leadership, and advanced research.

• Doctoral Researcher, Connected Intelligence Systems Lab, Pusan National University, South Korea (2023–present)
• Teaching Assistant, Pusan National University, South Korea (Apr–Aug 2024)
• Senior Lecturer, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (2017–present)
• Acting Dean, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (Jun–Aug 2023)
• Academic Program Officer [Vice Dean], Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (2021–2023)
• Freshman Academic Program Coordinator, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (2019–2021)

These experiences sharpened my ability to bridge technical expertise with leadership, preparing me to guide both students and large-scale projects.

Licenses & Certifications

I continuously expand my professional toolkit with certifications across AI, networking, leadership, and pedagogy:

• Leadership, Sustainability, and Ethics (LSE) – Earth Charter International (2024).
• IELTS – IELTS Official (2023).
• CCNAv7: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials – Cisco Networking Academy (2022).
• CyberOps Associate – Cisco Networking Academy (2022).
• Scientific Use of Machine Learning on Lower-Power Devices (tinyML) – ICT4D Research Center, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (2022).
• Collaboration Principles and Process – LinkedIn (2021).
• Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision-Making – LinkedIn (2021).
• Exam Prep: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – LinkedIn (2021).
• Quantitative Research – Zufile Research & Consultancy (2020).
• Introduction to Emerging Technologies – Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Ethiopia (2020).
• English Language Certificate – Galaxy Foreign Language Academy (2019).
• Trainer – STDs Training of Trainers (ToT) – Bahir Dar University Gender Directorate Director (2018).
• LINK-UP HIV/AIDS Program – HIV/AIDS Protection, Control & Coordination Directorate Office (2016).
• Trainer – Life Skills Training of Trainers (ToT) – Amhara Regional Office of Gender, Education & Training Center (2016).
• CCNA Routing and Switching: Introduction to Networks – Cisco Networking Academy (2016).

These certifications complement my academic expertise, enabling me to engage in both cutting-edge AI research and community-focused leadership.

Global Leadership & Community Roles

Beyond academia, I actively contribute to global leadership, peacebuilding, and sustainability initiatives:

• Earth Charter Young Leader (2025–present) – Promoting sustainability, ecological integrity, and ethics aligned with SDGs 4, 14, and 15.
• United Religions Initiative (URI) Member (2024–present) – Advancing interfaith cooperation and peacebuilding.
• UPG Sustainability Leadership Member (2024–present) – Committed to making the world a better place through awareness, belief, collaboration, and community by promoting projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Black in AI Member(2022–present) – Promoting diversity and inclusion in AI research.
• YALI Network Member (2017–present) – Engaging in youth leadership and development across Africa.
• Vice President, Ethiopian Pusan National University Alumni Association
  2024 – Present

• Support strategic planning and alumni engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate events and professional networking opportunities.
• Strengthen ties between alumni, the university, and external partners.
• Lead outreach and membership growth efforts.

Application Journey

The road to scholarships was a marathon, not a sprint. Applying to international programs felt daunting, but I approached it systematically:

• Researching Opportunities – I explored scholarship portals, university websites, LinkedIn alumni networks, and diaspora forums.
• Language Proficiency – I prepared intensively for TOEFL iBT and later IELTS, scoring highly through structured study plans, mock tests, and language partner practice.
• Scholarship Applications – I crafted proposals rooted in Ethiopia’s real challenges, supported by publications, GitHub projects, and strong recommendation letters.

Experience at Pusan National University

Life at PNU is both ocean and fire—waves of ideas, flames of curiosity and transformative. Academically, I participate in cutting-edge research with access to world-class labs, NVIDIA GPUs, and seminars with global experts. Busan’s lively culture—its markets, seaside, diverse communities, and the sea breeze echo Ethiopia’s spirit —softens the rigor of PhD life and makes the experience holistic.

• Academic Rating: PNU offers excellent faculty and infrastructure.
• International Student Support: Visa guidance, cultural orientation, buddy programs, and mental health support are provided, alongside strong Ethiopian student networks.

Advice for Future Applicants

1. Start early – Give yourself time to prepare, revise, and polish every detail.
2. Show your unique contribution – Connect your background to global issues.
3. Network strategically – Reach out to professors, alumni, and research communities.
4. Take care of yourself – Application processes are marathons; self-care ensures resilience.
5. Embrace setbacks – Each rejection is a data point toward success.

Closing Reflection

From the sacred silence of Lake Tana’s monasteries to the humming heart of Busan’s laboratories,
my journey flows like verse—where ancient wisdom meets the pulse of innovation.

Scholarships may have opened the gates,
but it was resilience that walked the long road,
mentorship that held the lantern,
and a steadfast belief in AI for the good of all that gave the journey meaning.

To those who dream of distant classrooms and unfamiliar skies:
your story is not a burden—it is your power.
Your struggles, the firewood.
Your hope, the spark.
Your dreams—the blaze.

Shine not despite the shadows,
but because you carry the light within.

Inspire. Educate. Lead. For a Sustainable Tomorrow.

“ትልቅ ነገር ተመኝ፣ ቀና ሁን፣ ይሳካልሃል!” (“Aspire to greatness, keep up goodwill, and you will succeed.”)