Kirubel was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He moved to Fresno, CA in 2010. After highschool, he attended CSU Fresno, for his undergraduate degree in biochemistry. At Fresno State, He had the opportunity to work in Dr. Hubert Muchalksi’s synthesis research lab where he synthesized various ether alkyne substrates using palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction in water using micellar catalysis. His work in Dr. Muchalski’s lab introduced him to the fascinating world of green chemistry. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at UCSB working in Dr. Lipshutz research lab. 

Fun Facts

When not in the lab, Kirubel enjoys watching soccer and playing video games with friends.