Dr. Guta has been involved in diverse research projects including bio-energy, bio-economy and food security, the water-energy-food nexus, and other related areas. His empirical research focuses on developing regions: Ethiopia, India, and Chile. His current research emphasizes the analysis of firm productivity in the Canadian forest sector and sustainable aviation fuel.

Dawit has held various academic positions. These include a Postdoctoral Researcher and Teaching Fellow in the Department of Forest Resource Management at the University of British Columbia, an Assistant Professor at the College of Development Studies at Addis Ababa University, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn, and a Lecturer in the Department of Economics at Ambo University.

His current focus is on the welfare and health impacts and economic valuation of energy efficiency interventions and renewable energy projects, as well as transportation, environmental pollution, bio-energy, and climate change.