Temesgen Garoma, Ph.D., P.E.

Temesgen Garoma, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies & Research
Phone: (619) 594-0957
Email: [email protected]
M/C: 1324
Office: E-421D 

Dr. Temesgen Garoma is a Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at San Diego State University (SDSU), where he also holds the Blasker Chair in Environmental Engineering. He serves as Director of the Environmental Engineering Program and is the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research in the College of Engineering.

Dr. Garoma earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics (Environmental Engineering) in 2004 through the Joint Doctoral Program between the University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University. He also holds an M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Hannover, Germany, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.

Since joining SDSU in 2007, Dr. Garoma has authored over 60 scientific publications and conference presentations. He has mentored more than 50 undergraduate and graduate students, along with visiting scholars, contributing significantly to student development and research capacity within the college.

His research focuses on water and wastewater treatment, renewable energy, and resource recovery. Current projects emphasize biofuel production from algal biomass, recovery of valuable resources from wastewater, and the integration of energy production with wastewater treatment. His earlier work included advanced oxidation processes and the study of disinfection byproducts formed during ozonation and chlorination.

Before entering academia, Dr. Garoma worked as a senior engineer at Parsons Corporation and MWH Inc., where he was involved in the design of water and wastewater treatment plants, master planning for water and sewer systems, feasibility studies for recycled water use, and the development of hydraulic models for distribution and collection systems.