BY STAFF REPORTER
His name is Dr. Mulatu Lemma. He was born in Arsi Sabure, Ethiopia. He is a professor of mathematics at Savana State University in the United States. He has been teaching math at the same university for the past 27 years. Before moving to the United States, he worked as a teacher at Hawassa Agricultural College for five years. After moving to the United States, he earned a master’s and PhD from Kent State University. He earned his degree in mathematics.
In 2003, Dr. Mulatu, who is known for inventing new teaching methods and formulas at his university and in the mathematics community, introduced the Mulatu formula. It took more than three years for Dr. Mulatu to conduct the study, and in his new study he introduced more than 13 theories. He has also published 132 research papers in internationally recognized journals and has presented papers at 15 conferences.
Dr. Mulatu is known not only for his research but also for his special support to his students. In particular, he is a well-known scholar in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, supporting the marginalized sections of society and encouraging them to succeed in their studies and lives.
Dr. Mulatu has received 12 major awards, including a special award from the President of the United States, for his outstanding contributions to the fields of science, mathematics and engineering.
Dr. Mulatu Lemma has been awarded the Presidential Award of Excellence by President Donald J. Trump. The mathematics professor of Savannah State University, from the historical black college in Georgia was noted among 12 recipients across the nation.
“Congratulations to Dr. Mulatu Lemma, an Ethiopian-American, on receiving a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, an award that recognizes those who have made significant contributions to STEM mentoring,” the local American Embassy tweeted a day after he was announced as the recipient.
The annual recognition highlights those who have shown unique contribution in mentorship in areas of STEM professions. The former university professor at Awash Junior College in Ethiopia, he has been teaching for over 25 years at Savannah University.
“This is a great honor for Dr. Mulatu. I congratulate him on this achievement and appreciate his years of service dedicated to preparing Savannah State’s students for careers in STEM. Dr. Mulatu and other faculty who create mentoring opportunities for Savannah State’s students help to provide a nurturing educational environment at Kimberly Ballard-Washington, SSU interim president, told The Savannah Tribute.
Mulatu is known for being a mentor of the local Ethiopian community in Georgia and has been active within the community, helping raise funds and take part in public initiatives benefiting the community. He is also seen as a role model among Ethiopian-American youth who want to pursue such a career.
In addition to his latest recognition, Mulatu is credited with helping to introduce a number series – the Fibonacci and Lucas Numbers – later named as the ‘Mulatu Numbers’.
Alumni of the Addis Ababa University, he later earned a PhD from Kent University and received various recognitions over the years, including teaching awards from Savannah University.
The Presidential Award of Excellence comes with a monetary prize of USD 10,000 courtesy of the National Science Foundation.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD JUNE 22/2021
