Samuel Getahun graduated in Chemical Engineering (B.Sc.) from Bahir Dar University (2005) and Process Engineering (M.Sc.) from Addis Ababa University (2010). In 2017, he completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering, at Stellenbosch University. He worked as a graduate assistant II, assistant lecturer and Lecture in Chemical Engineering Department at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia between 2005-2008 and 2010-2012.

He joined the WASH R&D Centre in October 2017 as postdoctoral researcher. He is primarily involves in the “Thermal Drying Characteristics of Faecal sludge” project funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) under Dr. Santiago Septien. Samuel is now a Senior Research Scientist at the Centre.