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Bemnet “GAKII” Deresse – Biography

Bemnet “GAKII” Yeshewalul Deresse (November 21, 1997 – Auguest 31,2025) was a biomedical engineer and compassionate young man whose life reflected a rare blend of intellect, perseverance, and service. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Aster Bekele and Yeshewalul Deresse Bemnet was raised in an extended family. He grew up alongside his brother Dagim Yeshewalul Deresse and cousins who were like siblings and was surrounded by loving grandparents, aunts, and uncles who helped raise him as second parents.

Bemnet is known by the name GAKII throughout his extended Family and Family friends. GAKII was named after the last ruler of Kaffa “ Origin of Coffee” King GAKII Sherecho who claimed not to be arrested by iron chain but by gold made chain for his pride. GAKII was the first probably the last king who demanded Quality service from his own enemies. Eventually, GAKII received what he had demanded from the high profile king Bemnet is known by the name GAKII throughout his extended Family and Family friends.

GAKII was named after the last ruler of Kaffa “ Origin of Coffee” King GAKII Sherecho who claimed not to be arrested by iron chain but by gold made chain for his pride. GAKII was the first probably the last king who demanded Quality service from his own enemies. Eventually, GAKII received what he had demanded from the high profile king. After completing high school in Ethiopia, Bemnet moved to the United States in 2017 as international student to pursue higher education by his own parent’s investment. He lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his aunt’s family and grandmother who closely supported him as he embarked on his academic journey. A kind-hearted young man with big dreams, Bemnet excelled in science and engineering. He earned dual degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Biochemistry from the University of Cincinnati, and an Associate of Science in Biology from Cincinnati State and Community College. He was consistently recognized for academic excellence, earning Dean’s List honor During his studies, Bemnet contributed to cutting-edge medical research. His engineering capstone focused on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology, where he developed calibration systems to improve the precision of non-invasive tissue treatments. He also investigated the role of nanoparticles in heat transfer during ultrasonic procedures, work that advanced understanding of next-generation therapeutic techniques.

Bemnet’s professional experiences reflected both technical expertise and a collaborative spirit. As an R&D intern at Cook Inc., he led an angiographic catheter product line through critical design validation and verification phases, authored regulatory-compliant protocols, and improved product quality through rigorous failure analysis. Earlier, as a biomedical intern at Zetroz Systems, he tested wireless ultrasound therapeutics and developed innovative manufacturing plans for medical devices. His early career also included tutoring in calculus, chemistry, and biology, demonstrating his natural ability to teach and inspire the young generation. Fluent in Amharic and English, Bemnet combined global awareness with a commitment to service, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the American Heart Association. He was also deeply committed to helping others. He stood up for people in need and even chose to be an organ donor, giving life through his selflessness. His technical skills ranged from MATLAB, SolidWorks, and LabVIEW to advanced laboratory techniques such as gene editing, biomaterial development, and complex protein analysis. Bemnet began his professional career as a Quality Engineer at Whipmix Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky, applying his skills to ensure product excellence and regulatory compliance. Bemnet shared his vision of pursuing a PhD, establishing a lab, and leading a biomedical engineering research group. Bemnet’s life, though tragically cut short, remains a testament to the power of curiosity, hard work, and compassion. His legacy continues through the Bemnet Deresse Foundation, which carries forward his vision of advancing biomedical research, expanding healthcare access, and inspiring young scientists. Bemnet has been shot and killed cold blood in Cincinnati at a decent residential area together with two innocent sisters. For them it was a simple twist of life (Sudden death) and it was a devastating incident to the family and to the whole world.