Nega A. Zerihun

About Nega A. Zerihun

I am a Materials Science and Engineering leader with 15+ years of experience advancing high‑performance polymers, data-driven materials modeling, and large‑scale product innovation. At Nike, I serve as a Lead Test Engineer, driving advanced rheology, mechanical performance evaluation, and new test‑method development that directly shapes global product platforms and strengthens innovation across the organization.My career spans computational materials research, polymer physics, and industrial-scale characterization. I earned my Ph.D. as an IMPRS Scholar at Ruhr‑University Bochum, conducting pioneering work in phase‑field modeling and multiscale electrochemical simulations. I continue to publish and review scientific research, evaluate technical work from peers, and contribute expertise across cross‑functional innovation teams.I’m passionate about solving complex materials challenges, developing high‑value testing frameworks, and translating research insights into scalable solutions. My work improves manufacturing reliability, accelerates innovation pipelines, and enhances material performance in products used by millions of athletes and consumers worldwide. With a rare combination of scientific depth, analytical rigor, and industry impact, I strive to elevate materials science into a strategic driver of product excellence and competitive advantage.

Experience

1. Lead Test Engineer

   Nike

   Dec 2021 — Present · US

Education

• Ruhr University Bochum

  Ph.D., Materials science and Engineering

  2010 — 2014

• Kiel University

  M.Sc., Material Science and Engineering

  2007 — 2009

• Max Planck Society

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Surface and Interface Engineering of Materials

• Addis Ababa University

  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Chemical Engineering

  2002 — 2007

Skills

• Data Analysis
• Microfabrication
• Programming
• Microsoft Office
• Powder X-Ray Diffraction
• Chemical Engineering
• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Numerical Simulation
• Process Engineering
• Tem
• C++
• D
• Phase Field Modeling and Simulation
• Sputtering
• Optical Microscopy
• Thermodynamics
• Latex
• Project Management
• Nanotechnology
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (Cfd)
• Ultra-High Vacuum (Uhv)
• Photovoltaics
• Labview
• Simulations
• Mechanical Testing
• Research
• Matlab
• Computational Materials Science
• Originlab
• Multiscale Modeling
• Nanocomposites
• Sensors
• Characterization
• Lithium Batteries
• Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Data Analytics
• Paraview
• Electrochemistry
• Uv/Vis
• Vacuum Deposition