Mihret Walelign Mengstu

My name is Mihret Walelign. I was born and raised in a rural community in the northwest region of Ethiopia. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Social Work from Adama Science and Technology University, as well as a Master's degree in Sociology, from the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I interned with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Ethiopia, a Canadian-based organization focused on youth empowerment. This experience ignited my passion for academia, leading to my current role as a lecturer in Sociology at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, where I teach core sociology courses to undergraduate students.

Studying sociology has made me deeply aware of how the social, political, and economic dynamics of the world, along with historical experiences, define and influence disparities in development within and between human societies. This realization has stimulated my interest in exploring the structural constraints on human development, how everyday lives are shaped by larger societal structures, and the relationships between development, peace, and migration.

These themes are not only central to my academic pursuits but are also defining features of Africa's historical, present, and future trajectories. The movement of people, within and beyond the continent, and integration into new communities have been enduring elements of Africa. Understanding these processes is key to interpreting Africa's complex social and political realities, especially in the context of global development. My research interests also extend to how diverse African societies function and adapt across multiple poles, from rural settings to urban centers, and traditional systems to global networks.

I believe that EIMAS will be an invaluable opportunity to explore these dynamics through a multidisciplinary lens. By studying Africa’s historical, political, developmental, and cultural dynamics, I aim to comprehensively understand how the continent’s past informs its present and shapes its future. I am particularly interested in exploring how Africa engages with global economies, politics, migration flows, and international development efforts. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to Africa’s future development, and I see EIMAS as a crucial step toward achieving my academic and professional goals. I am confident that this will not only expand my research scope but also reshape my worldview of Africa in a global context.