Dr Biruk Hailu Tekle, an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow, is a senior lecturer in Building and Construction Management at the University of Canberra. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from UNSW Australia, an MSc from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and a BSc from Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Before joining UC, he was a lecturer in Civil Engineering at Federation University Australia and has also held academic positions at UNSW and Melbourne Polytechnic. In 2020, he undertook a prestigious Humboldt Fellowship at Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK), Germany, conducting postdoctoral research on textile-reinforced alkali-activated concrete.

Dr Tekle’s research focuses on sustainable construction materials, geopolymer and alkali-activated cement, and the durability of concrete structures. His work combines experimental and numerical methods to explore the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of construction materials. He has published extensively in high-impact international journals and presented his research at major conferences. His current projects include interdisciplinary research on reusing timber waste in geopolymer concrete.

With over a decade of experience in teaching and student supervision across Australia, China, Germany, and Ethiopia, Dr Tekle has made significant contributions to Civil Engineering education. At the University of Canberra, he is involved in advancing Building and Construction Management education and mentoring future industry professionals.