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Working Group 6.9: Communications Systems for Developing Countries

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MESO DENKO Obituary

It is with great sadness that his colleagues and friends observe the passing of Dr. Mieso Denko. Mieso passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, April 25, 2010, at the very young age of 42. Mieso leaves a wife and three small children.

 He received his BSc from Addis Ababa University in 1988, his MSc from the University of Wales in 1994 and his PhD from the University of Natal in 2001. At Mieso´s funeral, held on May 1, 2010, his many friends and colleagues learned that he was born in a rural Ethiopian village, a two hour´s run to and from primary school each day. He brought that enthusiasm into his professional career: Mieso was a valued contributor to University life and to the professional societies and conference organizations to which he belonged.

Mieso was a faculty member at the University of Guelph since 2002, at the main campus and at the University of Guelph-Humber. Well-loved and respected by the students, he received a Professor of the Year Award at G-H in 2006. As a faculty member he was a willing participant in activities for the good of the department and of the students. Asked why he did more than most with regards to liaison and outreach, his answer was a cheerful, "You have to give back!" Mieso gave more than most and always with a smile and a kind word.

He was research-active in mobile computing and wireless networks with a focus on wireless mesh networks, wireless pervasive networking and communications, mobile ad hoc networks and integrated hybrid wireless/wired networks. His research collaborations included seventeen graduate and senior undergraduate students, and numerous colleagues from around the world, with whom he published 59 refereed contributions and numerous other articles. He was a senior member of ACM and IEEE.

Mieso was a very active member of IFIP-TC6 Working Group 6.9 Communications Systems for Developing Countries, being the vice chair since 2007. In the framework of this working group, he organized the first International Conference on Wireless Communications and Information Technology for Developing Countries (WCITD) in 2006, and later he worked hard to promote and disseminate it as a useful tool to improve research activities in and for developing countries. When he died, he was immersed in the selection of the best technical program and speakers for the next WCITD conference. It can be said that Mieso died with his boots on, working on what he loved the best: promoting research activities and encouraging cross-fertilization of ideas, techniques and concepts among countries from different regions in the world. Mieso also participated actively in the organization of the World Information Technology Forum. His contributions were crucial to identify and select the best projects and initiatives to help to bridge the digital divide and improve the quality of life of millions of people. IFIP has lost a very cooperative member. We have lost a good friend and a valuable colleague.

 



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