Solen Feyissa (Ph.D.) is a learning technologies practitioner and scholar, a passionate advocate for social change, and a creative. Born and raised in Ethiopia, his journey has taken him from the heart of Addis Ababa to the forefront of educational and community empowerment.
At the University of Minnesota, Dr. Solen Feyissa works as an instructional designer shaping adult learning experiences, both in traditional and online settings. His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that effective education is key to empowerment and societal progress.
Solen’s passion for photography has led him to establish Apricus: Photos for All. This non-profit organization extends the transformative power of photography to underrepresented communities, offering professional photography services to those who might otherwise lack access. Apricus represents Solen’s vision of using visual narratives to celebrate individual dignity and strengthen community bonds.
In his latest endeavor, Dr. Solen Feyissa collaborates with Brighter Generation Ethiopia, a platform mobilizing global volunteers to educate and inspire young Ethiopian leaders and innovators. Through his involvement in program evaluation and curriculum design, Solen contributes to a project that bridges continents and cultures, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and skills. Brighter Generation’s mission resonates with Solen’s commitment to educational equity and his belief in the potential of the Ethiopian diaspora to influence positive change.
Solen’s in-camera and generative photographic work is featured in numerous publications. His images, viewed nearly 3 billion times, capture life as seen under a macro lens, and the interplay between humans, technology, and the environment and reflect his perspective on the world—one where every individual’s story deserves to be told and heard. You can find some of his work on Unsplash, Flickr, and Pinterest.
Dr. Solen Feyissa is open to collaboration. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
