Gizachew have had research experience in freshwater fish biodiversity, fish migration and reproduction, conservation of threatened Labeobarbus species, river pollution, water quality assessment in rivers and lakes, and management of invasive aquatic weeds (water hyacinth) in Lake Tana. Stream and river ecology, macroinvertebrate based biotic indices, in-situ and laboratory techniques for measuring water quality parameters. He was awarded a research grant at University of Gondar, Tonolli memorial fund at International Society of Limnology (SIL), conservation grants of Rufford Foundation, and Wetzel travel award at International Society of Limnology (SIL).