Open To Work
Negesse Mekonnen Asrese (PhD)
Ansan-si Danwon-gu Hwajeongcheonseo-ro 6-gil 20-1 Seonbu-dong 1103-18 No. 202
Summary
I am a multidisciplinary scientist and educator with a unique background integrating a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), a PhD in Pharmacy/Pharmacology, and current postdoctoral training in cancer biology and precision oncology. I have a strong understanding of oncogene regulation, therapeutic resistance, and RNA/protein-based therapeutics. Skilled in molecular biology, epigenetics, tumor organoids, viral assays, and animal models, I have proven expertise in siRNA, antibody fusion proteins, and small-molecule combination strategies. Adaptable and dedicated, I bring over a decade of higher education teaching and research experience in veterinary medicine and pharmacology. I have published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and am passionate about developing innovative targeted therapies to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Scientist with strong background in research, data analysis, and scientific writing. Proven ability to drive projects forward and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Adept at adapting to evolving requirements and delivering high-quality results. Known for strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Fellow, Full Time
Seoul National University, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
04.2025 - Current
- Mentor PhD students in various molecular techniques, providing guidance on research design and experimental procedures.
- Perform H3N2 viral culture and determine pfu/ml using plaque assay.
- Investigate the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) evaluation of an antibody–interferon beta mutein in mouse models.
- Quantify interferon beta mutein from mouse lung and serum by using ELISA.
- Screening the combined inhibition of extrachromosomal DNA and the c-MET oncogene in cancer cell line models.
- Quantify H3N2 viral RNA using RT-PCR from mouse lung treated with interferon beta mutein.
Assistant Professor, Full-time
Bahir Dar University, School of Veterinary Medicine
03.2017 - 02.2018
- Delivered comprehensive lectures in Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Epidemiology to undergraduate and master’s students.
- Conducted impactful research on infectious and parasitic diseases.
- Led community service initiatives, including vaccination drives and animal treatment programs, fostering public health and community engagement.
- Mentored undergraduate and master’s students on dissertation research, supporting academic growth and skill development in scientific research methodologies.
Lecturer and Assistant Professor (2007-2016)
Haramaya University, College of Veterinary Medicine
09.2007 - 10.2016
- Delivered specialized courses in Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Drug Residues to undergraduate and master’s students.
- Conducted research on zoonotic diseases and medicinal plants, including studies in infectious disease and ethnopharmacology, advancing insights into traditional medicine and public health.
- Engaged in community services such as vaccination and animal treatment programs, enhancing animal health and public awareness in underserved areas.
- Mentored undergraduate and master’s students, guiding them through research projects and fostering their development in scientific investigation and critical thinking.
- Served as Head of the Registrar’s Office for the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute of Technology at Haramaya University from June 9, 2015, to July 8, 2016.
- Effectively led an international conference, including securing external funds from multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations and coordinating the works of various subcommittees held from June 17 -19, 2015.
- Participated in a rabies vaccination campaign on December 06-09, 2012, and May 21, 2016.
- Served as an academic commission member for the College of Veterinary Medicine from June 9, 2015, to July 8, 2016.
Education
Ph.D. - Pharmacy
Seoul National University, College of Pharmacy
Seoul02.2025
Some College (No Degree) - higher education teaching
Haramaya University, College of Education
Dire Dawa EthiopiaMaster of Science - Tropical Animal Health
Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium07.2012
Master of Science - Pharmacology
Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences
Addis Ababa03.2012
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine And Agriculture
Bishofitu, Ethiopia08.2007
Skills
- Expertise in designing, screening, and optimizing lipid bio-conjugates of siRNA for in vivo delivery
- Skilled in epigenetic and molecular biology techniques, including ChIP-qPCR, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, PCR, and ddPCR
- Experienced with immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy techniques, animal models in efficacy and pharmacodynamics studies
- Extensive skills in cell culture, colony formation assay, drug combination index determination, organoid initiation, chemoresistant cell line development, antibody fusion proteins design, molecular cloning and different siRNA transfection methods
- Experienced in microbiological techniques including H3N2 viral culture and propagation, and plaque assay
- Proficient in data analysis using GraphPad Prism and STATA, with a talent for interpreting complex datasets
- Expertise in manuscript writing (reviews and original articles) and biomedical illustration using BioRender
- Extensive teaching and mentoring experience (~7 years) at higher education
3. LANGUAGE SKILLS
Native language: Amharic, excellent in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
English: Advanced level: in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Korean:(level 2: beginner).
Timeline
Postdoctoral Fellow, Full Time
Seoul National University, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
04.2025 - Current
Assistant Professor, Full-time
Bahir Dar University, School of Veterinary Medicine
03.2017 - 02.2018
Lecturer and Assistant Professor (2007-2016)
Haramaya University, College of Veterinary Medicine
09.2007 - 10.2016
Ph.D. - Pharmacy
Seoul National University, College of Pharmacy
Some College (No Degree) - higher education teaching
Haramaya University, College of Education
Master of Science - Tropical Animal Health
Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp
Master of Science - Pharmacology
Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - Veterinary Medicine
Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine And Agriculture
Awards
Received the Ethio-Belgian Scholarship (2004-2006) for outstanding performance during my first-degree studies., Awarded the Gold Medal: for outstanding performance as the top graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the class of 2007., Received the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGDC) scholarship for the 2011/2012 academic year during my master's degree studies., Awarded the SNU Presidential Scholarship (SPF) for the 2018-2021 period during my PhD studies.
Publications
- 1. Mekonnen N, Yang H, Rajasekaran N, Song K, Choi Y-I, Shin YK. Indirect targeting of MYC and direct targeting in combination with chemotherapies are more effective than direct mono-targeting in triple negative breast cancer. Translational Oncology. 2025;51:102204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102204. #Citation: 1
- 2. Mekonnen N, Seo MR, Yang H, Chelakkot C, Choi JY, Hong S, et al. Design, Screening and Development of Asymmetric siRNAs Targeting the MYC Oncogene in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2024. https://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2024.071. #Citation: 0
- 3. Mekonnen N, Yang H, Shin YK. Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Ovarian, Breast, Colorectal, Pancreatic, Non-Small Cell Lung and Prostate Cancers, and the Mechanisms of Resistance to PARP Inhibitors. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022;12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.880643. #Citation: 75
- 4. Tamrat H, Mekonnen N, Ferede Y, Cassini R, Belayneh N. Epidemiological study on calf diarrhea and coccidiosis in dairy farms in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Irish Veterinary Journal. 2020;73(1):14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-020-00168-w. #Citation: 38
- 5. Terefe Y, Girma S, Mekonnen N, Asrade B. Brucellosis and associated risk factors in dairy cattle of eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2017;49(3):599-606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-017-1242-7. #Citation: 63
- 6. Mekonnen N, Makonnen E, Aklilu N, Ameni G. Evaluation of berries of Phytolacca dodecandra for growth inhibition of Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum and treatment of cases of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012;2(7):505-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60086-0. #Citation: 31
- 7. Getachew T, Muktar Y, Mekonnen N, Tesma F. Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and efficacy of commonly used anthelmintics in different sheep breeds in Areka Agricultural Research Center, Areka, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 2016;28(6). https://www.lrrd.org/lrrd28/6/mukt28117.html. #Citation: 13
- 8. Muktar Y, Asmelash M, Mekonnen N. Prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine trypanosomosis in Benatsemay district, Southomo zone, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 2016;28(12). https://www.lrrd.cipav.org.co/lrrd28/12/mukt28228.htm. #Citation: 13
- 9. Negesse Mekonnen and Endalkachew abebe. Ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of traditional healers in Harar, Haramaya, Bati and Garamuleta, Eastern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal. 2017;21(2):40-61. https://doi.org/10.4314/evj.v21i2.4. #Citation: 18
- 10. Haile G, Mekonnen N, Lelisa K, Habtamu Y. Vector identification, prevalence and anemia of bovine trypanosomosis in Yayo District, Illubabor Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal. 2016;20(1):39-54. https://doi.org/10.4314/evj.v20i1.3. #Citation: 18
- 11. Endalkachew Abebe and Negesse Mekonnen. In vitro antibacterial activity of Rumex nervosus, Plantago lanceolata, Solanum incanum and Lepidium sativum against selected bacterial pathogens of human and animals. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal. 2016;20(2):119-131. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/evj.v20i2.9. #Citation: 15
THESIS
- PhD thesis: A Strategic Approach to Targeting the MYC Oncogene with Asymmetric siRNA in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- MSc thesis 1: Genetic Characterization of Trypanosoma vivax from East and West Africa
- MSc thesis 2: Evaluation of Phytolacca dodecandra for Growth Inhibition of Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum and Treatment of Cases of Epizootic Lymphangitis in Central Ethiopia.
- DVM thesis: Cross-sectional study of Bovine Tuberculosis in Butajira Municipal Abattair, Ethiopia.
RESEARCH SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Supervised 2 master's thesis degree students at Bahir Dar University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia.
- I supervised more than 15 DVM students for their thesis at Haramaya University, Ethiopia.
- Currently as a postdoctoral student, I am mentoring PhD students at Seoul National University, Korea.
TEACHING MERITS
In my 7 years of higher education teaching experience, I taught the following courses: Veterinary Pharmacology I and II, Veterinary Toxicology, Drug Residue of Food of Animal Origin (for master's students), Immunology, Veterinary Parasitology I and II, Veterinary Epidemiology (undergraduate and graduate levels), Poultry Diseases, Diseases of Farm Animals, Veterinary Public Health, and Veterinary Gynecology. In addition, I taught general Pharmacology for clinical nursing students.
13. ORCID, LinkedIn and SCOPUS ID
- Https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0251-1456
- Https://www.linkedin.com/in/negese-mekonnen-2968b532/
- Https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55201693500
- Https://scholar.google.co.kr/citations?user=pGnwDxUAAAAJ&hl=en
11. TEACHING MERITS
In my 7 years of higher education teaching experience, I taught the following courses: Veterinary Pharmacology I and II, Veterinary Toxicology, Drug Residue of Food of Animal Origin (for master’s students), Immunology, Veterinary Parasitology I and II, Veterinary Epidemiology (undergraduate and graduate levels), Poultry Diseases, Diseases of Farm Animals, Veterinary Public Health, and Veterinary Gynecology. In addition, I taught general Pharmacology for clinical nursing students.
10. RESEARCH SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Supervised 2 master’s thesis degree students at Bahir Dar University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia.
- I supervised more than 15 DVM students for their thesis at Haramaya University, Ethiopia.
- Currently as a postdoctoral student, I am mentoring PhD students at Seoul National University, Korea.
9. THESIS
- PhD thesis: A Strategic Approach to Targeting the MYC Oncogene with Asymmetric siRNA in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- MSc thesis 1: Genetic Characterization of Trypanosoma vivax from East and West Africa
- MSc thesis 2: Evaluation of Phytolacca dodecandra for Growth Inhibition of Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum and Treatment of Cases of Epizootic Lymphangitis in Central Ethiopia.
- DVM thesis: Cross-sectional study of Bovine Tuberculosis in Butajira Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia.
7. CAREER BREAKS
- Career break 1: 2009-10-22 to 2011-08-30: on study leave to pursue a Master of Science in Pharmacology at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
- Career Break 2: 2011-09-12 to 2012-07-12: on study leave to pursue a Master of Science in Tropical Animal Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Career Break 3: 2018-03-01 to 2025-02-26: on study leave to pursue a PhD in Pharmacy at Seoul National University, College of Pharmacy, Molecular Pathology and Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Seoul, Korea.
Publications
- Mekonnen N, Yang H, Rajasekaran N, Song K, Choi Y-L, Shin YK. Indirect targeting of MYC and direct targeting in combination with chemotherapies are more effective than direct mono-targeting in triple negative breast cancer. Translational Oncology. 2025;51:102204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102204. #Citation: 2
- Mekonnen N, Seo MR, Yang H, Chelakkot C, Choi JY, Hong S, et al. Design, Screening and Development of Asymmetric siRNAs Targeting the MYC Oncogene in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2024. https://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2024.071. #Citation: 0
- Mekonnen N, Yang H, Shin YK. Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Ovarian, Breast, Colorectal, Pancreatic, Non-Small Cell Lung and Prostate Cancers, and the Mechanisms of Resistance to PARP Inhibitors. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022;12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.880643. #Citation: 90
- Tamrat H, Mekonnen N, Ferede Y, Cassini R, Belayneh N. Epidemiological study on calf diarrhea and coccidiosis in dairy farms in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Irish Veterinary Journal. 2020;73(1):14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-020-00168-w. #Citation: 41
- Terefe Y, Girma S, Mekonnen N, Asrade B. Brucellosis and associated risk factors in dairy cattle of eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2017;49(3):599-606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-017-1242-7. #Citation: 67
- Mekonnen N, Makonnen E, Aklilu N, Ameni G. Evaluation of berries of Phytolacca dodecandra for growth inhibition of Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum and treatment of cases of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012;2(7):505-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60086-0. #Citation: 34
- Getachew T, Muktar Y, Mekonnen N, Tesma F. Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and efficacy of commonly used anthelmintics in different sheep breeds in Areka Agricultural Research Center, Areka, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 2016;28(6). https://www.lrrd.org/lrrd28/6/mukt28117.html. #Citation: 15
- Muktar Y, Asmelash M, Mekonnen N. Prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine trypanosomosis in Benatsemay district, Southomo zone, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 2016;28(12). https://www.lrrd.cipav.org.co/lrrd28/12/mukt28228.htm. #Citation: 13
- Negesse Mekonnen and Endalkachew abebe. Ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of traditional healers in Harar, Haramaya, Bati and Garamuleta, Eastern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal. 2017;21(2):40-61. https://doi.org/10.4314/evj.v21i2.4. #Citation: 18
- Haile G, Mekonnen N, Lelisa K, Habtamu Y. Vector identification, prevalence and anemia of bovine trypanosomosis in Yayo District, Illubabor Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal. 2016;20(1):39-54. https://doi.org/10.4314/evj.v20i1.3. #Citation: 19
- Endalkachew Abebe and Negesse Mekonnen. In vitro antibacterial activity of Rumex nervosus, Plantago lanceolata, Solanum incanum and Lepidium sativum against selected bacterial pathogens of human and animals. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal. 2016;20(2):119-131. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/evj.v20i2.9. #Citation: 16
References
1. Shin Young, Kee (Professor), College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Korea
Email: ykeeshin@snu.ac.kr
2. Chaithanya Chelakkot (Professor), College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Korea.
Email: lakshmi@cichild.tech
3. Kyoung Song, College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women’s University, Korea.
Email: songseoul17@duksung.ac.kr
4. Nirmal Rajasekaran (PhD), Head of Drug Development Team-1, Abion perpetual Pharmaceutical Pearl provider
Email: nirmalraj@abionbio.com
Awards
Received the Ethio-Belgian Scholarship (2004-2006) for outstanding performance during my first-degree studies., Awarded the Gold Medal: for outstanding performance as the top graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the class of 2007., Received the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGDC) scholarship for the 2011/2012 academic year during my master’s degree studies., Awarded the SNU Presidential Scholarship (SPF) for the 2018-2021 period during my PhD studies.
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