A brilliant young lady named Justina Senam Lotsu, from Ghana has graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), marking a major milestone in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Even more remarkable, Justina has secured admission into a fully funded PhD program in the United States, without going through the conventional master’s pathway.
Justina's Story and How She Did It
Her journey began in humble circumstances. Growing up in a family with limited educational opportunities, she never imagined how far she would come.
In 2019, while working at a photocopy shop after senior high school, she met a young female engineer, Eunice. The engineer had parked a mining vehicle fitted with a buggy whip, a safety flag used to improve visibility around heavy mining equipment.
Curious, Justina asked about it. When she learned that Eunice was an engineer, and the only woman among several male engineers, she developed more interest. Justina immediately knew that was the path she wanted to follow.
Encouraged to purchase UMaT admission forms, and supported by her manager, she applied. Soon after, she was offered admission to study BSc Mining Engineering., an achievement she described a life changing one.
“That day remains one of the happiest moments of my life,” she recalled.
Justina began her academic journey at UMaT in January 2021. Her first year was tough, marked by challenging coursework and disappointing quiz scores. But she persevered.
By her second and third years, she had grown academically and personally, learning to balance leadership responsibilities with demanding coursework. Her fourth year, though intense, culminated in her graduating as a Mining Engineer with First-Class Honours.
She attributes her success to faith, resilience, and determination. Throughout her undergraduate journey, Justina distinguished herself through academic excellence and service.
Justina was the ecipient of the Ghana Chamber of Mines Scholarship and was awarded the Best Second-Year Female Student at the 8th Ghana Mining Industry Awards.
Also, she served as General Secretary of the Mining and Minerals Engineering Students’ Association at UMaT and contributed to the Editorial Team of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Additionally, Justina served as Coordinating Secretary for Girls in Science and Technology, helped organize a field trip for 30 students to the AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine and was an active member of the West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
Her leadership roles strengthened communication among students and expanded opportunities for young women in mining.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Justina pursued an Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, which she completed in 2025.
The program deepened her expertise in workplace health, safety, and environmental management, critical components of modern mining operations.
“Completing this program has deepened my understanding of workplace health, safety, and environmental management, equipping me with the skills to promote safer and healthier working environments,” she said.
While advancing her education, Justina also worked on research addressing one of the mining industry’s global challenges: designing intelligent mine systems that support autonomous haulage systems.
Her work combines engineering principles, machine learning, and practical mining knowledge. Justina’s goal is to improve mine safety, profitability, and sustainability — particularly in preparing for autonomous mine trucks that operate without drivers.
In late 2025, her hard work paid off when she secured a Graduate Assistant position at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. This opportunity means she will pursue her PhD fully funded while serving as a research assistant.
Her research funding is supported through the Mining Industry of the Future Initiative (MIFI). Reflecting on her journey, Justina shared that her success is the result of all her hardwork and struggles.
“It’s not what you go through, but how and what you come out with. It’s the things you survive that determine your longevity,” she wrote on Linkedin.
Justina credits her success to God, her family, mentors, lecturers, and friends who supported her through every stage.
As she prepares to begin her doctoral journey, she says she is stepping forward with clarity, purpose, strength, wisdom, and grace.
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