Meet Dr. Zelalem Taye
Originally from Ethiopia, Dr. Taye is an interdisciplinary scholar and professor whose research encompasses plant and soil microbiome, with a focus on understanding microbial assembly processes and driving microbiome-based sustainability solutions in agriculture, forest and urban ecosystems. Zelalem joined UBC in January 2025 and is a jointly appointed Assistant Professor to the Faculties of Forestry and Land and Food Systems.
Zelalem’s academic prowess is impressive. The polymath holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with minor in Chemistry from Bahir Dar University. He holds Master of Science in Biological Sciences specializing in Botanical Sciences from Addis Ababa University and a double Master’s in Forestry and Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences from the Erasmus Mundus Program in Spain and Italy. Lastly, Zelalem received a PhD in Plant Science from University of Saskatchewan. Prior to joining UBC, Zelalem worked as a postdoc and sessional lecturer with the University of Saskatchewan and as a Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada where he advanced research in soil health and plant pathogen ecology and genomics.
In recognition of Black History Month, we spoke with Zelalem about his past, his present and what this month means to him.
Why is Black History month an important time for reflection and celebration?
Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to connect through stories and honour the contributions, resilience and achievements of Black individuals and communities. It is also a moment for reflection on the struggles that have shaped our collective identity while celebrating the richness of Black culture. The stories we share are instrumental in inspiring the next generation, especially young Black scholars, to see themselves as integral to the narrative of progress and innovation. Black History Month serves as a reminder that representation matters and that every voice has the power to create meaningful change.
How did your childhood in Ethiopia shape your future academic and career path?
Growing up in the eastern part of Ethiopia, in Gursum and Harar, I was surrounded by vibrant biodiversity and agricultural landscapes. Visiting my grandparents’ and neighbours’ small-scale farms and forest gardens was influential. Activities like preparing seedling beds, planting seedlings, weeding and harvesting instilled within me a deep appreciation for biology, biodiversity and the wisdom of local farmers in maintaining agroecosystems, forests and home gardens.
At the same time, I witnessed the devastating effects of drought, soil erosion, deforestation and biodiversity loss due to climate change and mismanagement, and the resulting effects in terms of land degradation and food insecurity. These challenges inspired me to better understand and protect natural resources, shaping my decision to pursue these diverse yet interlinked disciplines to contribute to solutions.
What are some of your top research findings so far?
I completed pioneering and foundational work in the area of incorporating rhizosphere microbial attribute considerations into plant breeding. One of the most significant published outcomes from my work was to show for the first time that small genetic differences in plants can control individual bacterial species within the rhizosphere. The second published significant outcome was to show that key bacterial taxa are associated with root growth traits at the vegetative growth stage and that the vegetative stage root length is correlated with canola seed yield. These insights have broad implications for improving crop performance through microbiome-focused approaches.
What are you most looking forward to in your role at UBC?
This is an exciting opportunity to foster innovative, interdisciplinary research that bridges forest ecosystems and agroecosystems for impactful ecosystem resilience and sustainability solutions. My role will focus on research and teaching that bridge forest and agricultural ecosystems, emphasizing microbiomes, soil and plant health, and non-wood forest products, particularly ectomycorrhizal fungi. I am excited to engage with the dynamic research community across UBC Forestry, Land and Food Systems and beyond as we push forward innovative solutions with real-world impact.
Mentoring the next generation of scientists and leaders is a key part of my vision. I aim to inspire and guide students to think critically, embrace interdisciplinary approaches and contribute to solutions to global challenges. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment, I hope to support diverse perspectives and empower future scholars to make meaningful contributions to sustainability and ecosystem resilience. In addition, I am committed to contributing to an equitable graduate school culture and strengthening international collaborations to enhance UBC Forestry’s global impact.
What keeps you busy in your spare time?
I enjoy exploring nature with my wife and kids, visiting parks and spending time outdoors. We love watching movies and playing cards and board games together, too. Personally, I find joy in reading, cooking and walking. I also stay engaged with my community through events and volunteering.