Introduce yourself and tell us a little about your academic journey:

My name is Joy, and I’m from Nigeria. I am a civil engineer by profession. I earned my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, where I also completed a master’s in water resources and environmental engineering. I recently completed a second master’s in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Vermont, and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering with a concentration in environmental engineering. 

I joined the Gund Institute in 2023, so this is my third year here. I have been involved with a host of professional organizations. In Nigeria, for example, I was a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. Since coming to the U.S., I have become a member of a multitude of societies, including the New England Water and Environmental Association (NEWEA), and more recently the UVM branch of Engineers without Borders. 

Tell us about your current research:

Currently, in my lab, we are working on two projects. The first focuses on using crushed recycled glass for wastewater treatment, and the second explores its use as a sub-base material in construction applications. These glass research projects are with the Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability. 

This work is motivated by the large volume of glass waste that ends up n landfills. We are exploring ways to repurpose that glass into something useful for construction applications to protect the environment, reduce landfill waste, and promote a circular economy. For the construction aspect of my research, we are examining the shear strength of recycled glass compared to sand. Currently, we’re testing the strength of the material to determine how much load it can withstand when used in construction. 

We’re also testing the filtration capacity of crushed glass to evaluate how effectively it can treat wastewater before it’s released into the environment or percolates into the ground. The goal is to determine whether glass can serve as a sustainable alternative to sand in mound systems, which are part of septic systems commonly used in rural areas. In these systems, sand typically functions as the filtration medium for wastewater. We want to see if recycled glass can perform as well as or even better than sand in this role. Currently, in the lab, we’re conducting column tests to assess how effectively the processed glass aggregate can filter and treat wastewater. Ultimately, we’re exploring how this material can be utilized across various engineering and environmental applications. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of your studies?

Outside my studies, I love adventures, trying new things, listening to music, traveling, making friends, and cooking. Sometimes I use my free time to review papers for some journals, like the Geo-Environmental and Geotechnical Engineering journals, Environmental Engineering journals, and some journals in Africa, like the African Journal of Engineering and Technology (AJET), and a few others. 

What inspires your love for the environment and your commitment to environmental protection and sustainable solutions?

I would say my work experience has inspired me. Over the years, I’ve partnered with the government to execute water, sanitation, and hygiene programs in rural communities with a program called Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Communities (WASH). I worked as a consultant in some rural communities of Nigeria under several organizations, including UNICEF, a World Bank Project, and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (an organization based in Geneva). In these positions, I was supervising the construction of water and toilet infrastructure in schools, health centers, and in the general community across several rural areas of Nigeria. I supported the WASH program and helped train and empower communities to properly use and maintain water and sanitation facilities while promoting good hygiene practices.  

My experiences in this area led me to focus on water and environmental engineering in my master’s studies. My current research centers on environmental sustainability, with an emphasis on improving water quality, conserving natural resources, and fostering a healthier environment. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me starts at home, where I prepare my kids for school. Then I am here [at the Gund Institute]. I spend most of my day in the lab conducting research and mentoring the undergraduate students who work with me. After finishing my work in the lab for the day, I usually return to the office to read and analyze data in preparation for upcoming tests. In between, I take time to respond to emails and review academic papers for journals. It’s both a learning opportunity and a way to give back. Once I’m home, I focus on relaxing, catching up with family and friends, and unwinding after the day. 

What are your career or personal aspirations?

I have short-term and long-term goals. In the short term, I want to complete my program and work in a role connected to environmental sustainability, perhaps as a consultant or researcher. In the long term, I see myself as a leader in the industry, mentoring young engineers and contributing to a community that’s passionate about giving back and creating positive environmental change. 

I think it is super important to have women in these roles, where you don’t necessarily see a lot of female engineers. This is something I think about every day. 

It inspires me to build networks, start mentorship groups, and encourage more women, particularly Nigerian women, to pursue careers in engineering and environmental sustainability. 

When I got here, I was surprised to see so many women in engineering. Back in Nigeria, my class had about 80 students, and only six of us were women. At one point, I almost didn’t pursue civil engineering because I thought it was a field meant only for men. My dad encouraged me at the time - he said, 'You have everything it takes.' Now, I’m at the point where I would create something that empowers and encourages young women to pursue engineering, and to show them that it’s not a field meant only for men. 

Can you provide an example of your most impactful work?

I would say my most impactful and fulfilling project was leading water and sanitation initiatives in Nigeria, particularly through the UNICEF WASH program. I served as a local government consultant, supporting about 300 rural communities. In this role, I supervised the construction of WASH infrastructure and trained community members on how to manage and maintain these facilities. I vividly remember how eager and excited they were to learn things they had never known before. It made the work deeply rewarding. One of the most fulfilling aspects was working in schools, where we observed a noticeable increase in attendance, particularly among young girls, following the construction of the new facilities. 

In many of these communities, girls are often the most affected, as they can’t attend school when there are no toilets and usually spend much of their day fetching water for their families. Seeing these girls now able to attend school regularly has been incredibly fulfilling and deeply inspiring for me. 

What advice would you give to prospective students?

I would advise students to go for what they truly want. Follow your dreams! If you feel passionate about something, pursue it wholeheartedly. Graduate school, and education in general, is not an easy journey, but it is worth it in the end, especially when you can make a real impact. For me, the most rewarding part of my profession is knowing that my work can make a difference in people’s lives. That sense of impact keeps me going, even when the journey gets challenging. 

*This interview has been lightly edited for clarity*