Adane Kebede Tesega, PhD, left, with Penn State public health sciences graduate students and faculty at the Public Health 250 Symposium in Harrisburg.
Adane Kebede Tesega, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Health Systems and Policy and deputy director of the Institute of Public Health at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, has joined Penn State College of Medicine as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence for the current academic year.
October 13, 2026
Dr. Tesega is a public health educator and researcher whose work focuses on health systems strengthening, health policy and financing, primary health care, digital health, and maternal and child health. He has authored more than 43 peer-reviewed publications and led national and international research initiatives, with additional experience in institutional reform, curriculum development and graduate student mentorship.
In 2025, Dr. Tesega received the James Hakim Global Health Award for Excellence in Global Health at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health Annual Conference. His international academic experience also includes a short-term scholar fellowship at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and postdoctoral research in digital health through collaborative initiatives with John Snow International and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
During his residency with the Department of Public Health Sciences, Dr. Tesega is collaborating with faculty, co-teaching courses and engaging with students while advancing research focused on equitable and sustainable health systems.
“Bringing a scholar of Dr. Tesega’s caliber to Penn State was a true community effort, supported warmly by colleagues and administrative partners across the Hershey and Penn State University community who helped champion his Fulbright application and transition to central Pennsylvania,” said Julie Lentes, assistant director of Global Health Initiatives and assistant professor of public health sciences.
Beyond the collaborative effort that brought Dr. Tesega to Hershey, his residency offers opportunities to strengthen teaching, research and institutional partnerships between Penn State and the University of Gondar.
“Dr. Tesega brings tremendous expertise in health systems strengthening and global health, along with perspectives that will enrich our teaching, research and global health collaborations,” said Kristin Sznajder, PhD, MPH, associate director of Global Health Initiatives and assistant professor of public health sciences. “His time at Penn State creates opportunities not only for our students and faculty to learn from his experience, but also to build lasting collaborations between Penn State and the University of Gondar.”
For Dr. Tesega, the residency also represents an opportunity to exchange knowledge and perspectives across cultures while working toward shared public health goals.
“I am deeply grateful for the exceptional support and hospitality of the Department of Public Health Sciences and Penn State University,” said Dr. Tesega. “Serving as a Fulbright Scholar at Penn State is more than professional development – it is a meaningful journey of cultural learning, collaboration and service. I am honored to partner with distinguished faculty and students as we work together to advance public health and global well-being.”
About the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program
The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program brings visiting international scholars and professionals to U.S. colleges and universities to teach, contribute to curriculum development and engage with campus and local communities. The program also helps institutions expand global perspectives in their curricula and build lasting international partnerships.
Learn more about global health opportunities at Penn State College of Medicine.
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Source: pennstatehealthnews.org
