Ayenew is a PhD candidate at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH) at the Austrian National University (ANU), where he has based since 2023. His doctoral research focuses on examining mental health and mental health literacy among perinatal women in Ethiopia and across Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular attention to culturally grounded understandings and systematic challenges. 
Prior to commencing his PhD, Ayenew worked as a Lecturer and research assistant at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia. Contributing to academic teaching and research in public health. He is currently worked as casual research officer within the Lived Experience Research Unit at NCEPH, where he assists with qualitative systematic reviews, including evidence extraction and thematic synthesis. His work draws on participatory and lived-experience methodologies to enhance the relevance and inclusivity of mental health research.