Erza Mehmeti: How long have you been with KYBURZ?

Dawit Ayana: I have been with KYBURZ since November 2021.

Erza: How did you hear about us?

Dawit: I got to know KYBURZ through my colleague, Markus Leimer, who also recommended the Circular Symposium of the Circular Economy 2021 to me. I attended the symposium and learned more about KYBURZ battery recycling there. I also had a conversation with Olivier Groux, the head of battery recycling.

Erza: What did you do before KYBURZ?

Dawit: I worked as a researcher at different universities in China, Ethiopia and Italy.

Erza: What are your activities?

Dawit: My activities are varied. I am mainly responsible for researching and testing different battery chemistries related to battery recycling. I also contribute to the development, operation and monitoring of KYBURZ's recycling plant, conduct laboratory-based research, monitor and analyse laboratory activities. We also have activities related to national and European projects in which I actively participate. But we (the battery team) are currently focusing on further developing and completing our battery recycling processes. We learn new things every day, face unique challenges and approach them in many different ways. This makes my day and my work very interesting.

Erza: What is your typical daily routine?

Dawit: I usually start work at 07:45. The first thing I do is check my emails and then every day looks different - depending on the current tasks and projects. This can be lab work, recycling (LIBERTY), meetings with our research and project partners, discussions with my battery team, or external visits for potential collaborations. I also attend an evening German course two days a week. My German is not quite perfect at the moment.

Erza: What languages do you speak?

Dawit: My mother tongue from Ethiopia is Afaan Oromo. Another language from Ethiopia is Amharic. I also speak this language. In addition, I speak English, a little Italian and, as already mentioned, I am currently learning German.

Erza: What do you like to do in your free time?

Dawit: I like to spend my free time with friends and my wife. We also like to go travelling. I also often play basketball, which is one of my favourite sports.