Tilahun Abdeta Deke, a first-year PhD student at the University of New England (UNE), is breaking new ground in mental health research thanks to the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Stipend Scholarship. Originally from Ethiopia, Tilahun’s academic journey has taken him from earning a BSc in Psychiatric Nursing at the University of Gondar to an MSc in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health at Jimma University, and now to UNE, where he is focusing on resilience and mental health among Ethiopian medical students.
“For nearly a decade, I worked as a lecturer at Haramaya University, gaining extensive experience in teaching, research, clinical mental health services, and leadership roles,” says Tilahun. “These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the mental health challenges faced by university students in low-resource settings, inspiring me to pursue a PhD at UNE.”
Tilahun’s research aims to address the often-overlooked mental health struggles of undergraduate medical students in Ethiopia, a group facing high academic stress. His study explores the role of resilience in mitigating mental health problems among undergraduate medical university students in Ethiopia.
"The goal is to suggest evidence-based solutions that can make a real difference in Ethiopian universities and similar low-income settings,” he says.
The RTP Scholarship has been instrumental in Tilahun’s academic journey, providing financial stability and access to essential resources.
“The scholarship has allowed me to fully focus on my PhD without financial stress. It’s given me the freedom to dedicate my time and energy to proposal writing and literature review, which has greatly improved the quality and progress of my work.”
Tilahun has also benefited from UNE’s supportive academic environment, attending research workshops and connecting with supervisors and peers.
“UNE’s strong research culture and inclusive academic environment have broadened my perspective on global mental health research,” he says.
While applying for the RTP Scholarship was a competitive process, Tilahun credits his success to thorough preparation and seeking feedback from supervisors and colleagues. “My advice to future applicants is to start early, develop a clear and focused research proposal, and stay motivated. Pursuing a Higher Degree by Research can be challenging, but with persistence, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Tilahun’s experience at UNE has been overwhelmingly positive, and he encourages others to consider HDR studies at the university.
“UNE provides excellent guidance and a supportive community to help you succeed,” he says. “If you’re passionate about your research topic, take the first step and trust that the challenges you face will help you grow both personally and professionally.”
As Tilahun continues his PhD journey, he remains committed to making a meaningful impact on mental health research in Ethiopia and beyond. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited about the journey ahead,” he says.
