Postdoc at North-West University, Ethiopia
Dr. Shambel Sahlu Akalu is an accomplished researcher in cosmology and astrophysics, with a strong academic background including a PhD from Addis Ababa University and postdoctoral work at North-West University, South Africa. He has published extensively in leading journals such as the European Physical Journal C and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, focusing on modified gravity theories and cosmic structure formation. Dr. Shambel actively mentors MSc, Honours, and PhD students, demonstrating leadership in both research and education. He has presented his work at major international conferences and maintains collaborations across Africa and Europe. His technical skills span Python programming, statistical modeling, and cosmological data analysis. As a member of several professional organizations, including the IAU and African Astronomical Society, he actively contributes to the broader scientific community. Dr. Shambel’s dedication to research excellence and academic mentorship positions him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Professional Profile
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Education
Dr. Shambel Sahlu Akalu holds a solid academic foundation in physics and cosmology. He earned his BSc in Physics from Gondar University, Ethiopia (2009–2011), followed by an MSc in Plasma Physics from Mekelle University (2011–2013). His passion for understanding the universe led him to pursue a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, specializing in Cosmology, at Addis Ababa University (2016–2020). Dr. Shambel’s educational journey reflects a strong focus on both theoretical and applied aspects of physics, with a clear progression toward advanced research in cosmology. Since February 2023, he has been a Postdoctoral Fellow at North-West University’s Centre for Space Research in South Africa, further enhancing his international academic exposure. Throughout his education, he demonstrated excellence in both coursework and research, laying a strong foundation for his career as a researcher, mentor, and scientific collaborator in the field of theoretical cosmology and modified gravity theories.
Professional Experience
Dr. Shambel Sahlu Akalu has built a diverse professional career combining research, teaching, and academic leadership. He began as a Lecturer at Wolkite University, Ethiopia (2013–2016), teaching core physics subjects such as Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Classical Mechanics. From 2021, he served as a Research Associate at the Space Science and Geospatial Institute in Ethiopia, leading the Cosmology Group and mentoring MSc students. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Fellow at North-West University, South Africa, where he conducts research in cosmology, supervises students, and tutors courses in General Relativity and Modern Cosmology. His responsibilities span from mentoring honours and MSc students to co-supervising PhD research projects. Additionally, Dr. Shambel has actively contributed to scientific conferences and collaborations across Africa and Europe. His professional experience highlights a strong commitment to advancing astrophysical research, promoting academic excellence, and fostering international collaborations in cosmology and theoretical physics.
Research Interest
Dr. Shambel Sahlu Akalu’s research interests lie primarily in cosmology, modified theories of gravity, dark energy, and the large-scale structure of the universe. He focuses on alternative models beyond the standard ΛCDM framework, including f(R), f(T), and f(Q) gravities, exploring their impact on cosmic acceleration and structure formation. His work also delves into the dynamics of dark matter and dark energy interactions, viscous cosmology, and scalar perturbations. Dr. Shambel employs a combination of theoretical modeling and observational data analysis, using statistical techniques and simulation tools such as MCMC methods, CAMB, and astropy. He is particularly interested in confronting theoretical models with cosmological observations like Type Ia supernovae, Cosmic Microwave Background data, and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations. His interdisciplinary approach bridges mathematical physics, astronomy, and computational astrophysics, contributing new insights into the nature of the universe’s evolution and providing alternatives to explain current cosmological tensions.
Award and Honor
Dr. Shambel Sahlu Akalu has achieved notable recognition through various prestigious academic memberships and research opportunities. He is a member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), and the Ethiopian Physical Society, reflecting his active engagement with the global scientific community. His research excellence has earned him opportunities for international research visits to institutions like the University of Valencia (Spain), North-West University (South Africa), and the University of Oslo (Norway). Furthermore, his involvement in organizing conferences, such as the 15th Ethiopian Physical Society Annual Conference, highlights his contributions to scientific leadership and community building. Although specific individual awards were not detailed, his publication record, leadership roles, and invited talks at major international conferences effectively serve as honors that validate his reputation and impact in the field of cosmology and astrophysics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Shambel Sahlu Akalu emerges as a highly promising and impactful researcher in the fields of cosmology and theoretical physics. His robust academic foundation, international professional experience, cutting-edge research interests, and active involvement in professional societies demonstrate his commitment to advancing science and mentoring young researchers. Dr. Shambel’s numerous peer-reviewed publications, his leadership in student supervision, and his contributions to cosmological modeling establish him as a valuable contributor to the scientific community. While continued efforts in expanding citation impact and broader research leadership would further strengthen his profile, his achievements to date clearly mark him as a rising star in his discipline. Dr. Shambel is exceptionally deserving of recognition through awards such as the Best Researcher Award, as his work not only pushes the boundaries of our understanding of the universe but also inspires and cultivates the next generation of physicists and cosmologists.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Scalar perturbations in f(T) gravity using the covariant approach
Authors: S. Sahlu, J. Ntahompagaze, A. Abebe, Á. de la Cruz-Dombriz, D.F. Mota
Year: 2020
Citations: 40
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Title: The Chaplygin gas as a model for modified teleparallel gravity?
Authors: S. Sahlu, J. Ntahompagaze, M. Elmardi, A. Abebe
Year: 2019
Citations: 21
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Title: On multifluid perturbations in scalar–tensor cosmology
Authors: J. Ntahompagaze, S. Sahlu, A. Abebe, M.R. Mbonye
Year: 2020
Citations: 14
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Title: Covariant density and velocity perturbations of the quasi-Newtonian cosmological model in f(T) gravity
Authors: H. Sami, S. Sahlu, A. Abebe, P.K.S. Dunsby
Year: 2021
Citations: 12
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Title: Confronting the Chaplygin gas with data: background and perturbed cosmic dynamics
Authors: R. Hough, S. Sahlu, H. Sami, M. Elmardi, A.M. Swart, A. Abebe
Year: 2021
Citations: 10
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Title: Accelerating universe in modified teleparallel gravity theory
Authors: S. Sahlu, J. Ntahompagaze, A. Abebe, D.F. Mota
Year: 2019
Citations: 7
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Title: Inflationary constraints in teleparallel gravity theory
Authors: S. Sahlu, J. Ntahompagaze, A. Abebe, D.F. Mota
Year: 2021
Citations: 6
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Title: Unifying dark matter and dark energy in Chaplygin gas cosmology
Authors: A.M. Swart, R.T. Hough, S. Sahlu, H. Sami, T. Tsabone, R. Aworka, M. Elmardi, …
Year: 2019
Citations: 5
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Title: Linear Cosmological perturbations in f(R) Gravity
Authors: S. Sahlu, E. Tsegaye
Year: 2022
Citations: 4
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Title: Inflation constraints for classes of f(R) models
Authors: J. Ntahompagaze, J. Damascène Mbarubucyeye, S. Sahlu, A. Abebe
Year: 2018
Citations: 4
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Title: Implementation of a radiation protection system at four hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: G.M. Geletu, F. Abiko, S. Sahlu
Year: 2019
Citations: 3
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Title: Structure growth in f(Q) cosmology
Authors: S. Sahlu, Á. de la Cruz-Dombriz, A. Abebe
Year: 2025
Citations: 2
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Title: Perturbations in a Chaplygin gas Cosmology
Authors: S. Sahlu, H. Sami, A.M. Swart, T. Tsabone, M. Elmardi, A. Abebe
Year: 2020
Citations: 2
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Title: Interacting dark energy models
Authors: R. Rugg, S. Sahlu, A. Abebe
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
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Title: The Chaplygin Gas as a Model for f(T) Gravitation?
Authors: S. Sahlu, J. Ntahompagaze, M. Elmardi, A. Abebe
Year: 2019
Citations: 1