When Dilnesahu Nukuro first stepped onto the Van Ness campus, he was eager to learn but didn’t know how far his college journey would take him. Today, Nukuro is a senior information systems specialist and engineer at the Oregon Health Authority and has helped pioneer technology solutions in public health. Nukuro believes his time at UDC was undoubtedly a critical factor in getting him there.
“UDC was a turning point for me,” Nukuro said. “The support I received from faculty and the opportunities I had to do real research while I was still a student made all the difference.”
A native of Ethiopia, Nukuro finished his electrical and computer engineering studies in 2018. He experienced a significant turning point during his third year when his friend and fellow UDC graduate, Ashenafi Lambebo, introduced him to the UDC Stem Center for Research and Development. The introduction led him to work with professors Sasan Haghani, Ph.D., Esther Ososanya, Ph.D. and Paul Cotae, Ph.D., who became his mentors and stuck with him through various research projects.
“They not only taught me; they believed in me,” Nukuro said. “I joined their research projects as a research assistant and some of my work was eventually published. I even developed a detailed study and implementation of a smart mail detection and alerting system and published it as a student. That gave me a head start in job hunting.”
Cotae, professor and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is proud of Nukuro’s achievements. He describes him as an exceptional student—curious, disciplined and intellectually driven. The professor noted that Nukuro’s quiet determination to grow beyond the classroom stands out the most.
“He embraced every opportunity to engage in research and consistently brought technical skill and a thoughtful perspective to his work,” Cotae said.
Dilnesahu was the kind of student every educator hopes to mentor—bright, committed and always willing to go the extra mile. His success today is a testament to his talent, perseverance and openness to learning. Watching him grow into a leader in his field has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work at UDC.”
After graduation, Nukuro’s resume caught the attention of major tech companies, including Intel, Microsoft and MindTree Ltd., where he worked as a senior test engineer before taking up his current role in Oregon.
Nukuro said he is proud to be a UDC alum and often encourages current and prospective students to make the most of their time at the university.
“Find a healthy balance between academic performance and hands-on experience,” he said. “While earning good grades is essential, true success often comes from engaging in projects, research and practical applications of what you learn in the classroom. These experiences deepen your understanding and help you stand out in your future career.”
Nukuro describes the university as a place he calls home—both academically and personally.
“UDC is one of the best public universities in the DMV area, known for its diversity and inclusive environment,” he said. “The faculty and staff are constructive and approachable, creating a supportive atmosphere for students to thrive academically and personally.
Nukuro is deeply committed to giving back to the community. As the owner of a home healthcare company, he currently employs 10 people and has ambitious plans for expansion. Nukuro uses the profits from his business to give back to those in need. In addition, he volunteers and assists people in his hometown by sponsoring students who cannot afford an education, providing clothing and food, and renovating housing.
Giving back to the community and creating opportunities for others is important to me,” he said. “It’s essential.”
In his free time, Nukuro expresses himself through music. He sings in his church’s choir and released his first album in 2022.
Although he now works hundreds of miles from the District of Columbia, Nukuro said he will always be appreciative to those who helped guide him to where he is today—especially Lambebo and the faculty who supported him.
“UDC helped me find my path—and I'll always be grateful for that.”
Read Nukuro’s published work at the American Society for Engineering Education.