On this week of the International Day of the Girl Child, we laud not just the dreams of girls worldwide but the women who are making those dreams a reality. Today, we highlight an inspiring Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund (Rsif) scholar Dr Tusekile Alfredy whose groundbreaking research is paving the way for future generations of girls. Their work is not just reshaping science but empowering young girls to imagine new possibilities for their futures. We sat down with Dr Tusekile Alfredy for this interview.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey into research? What inspired you to pursue a career in Material Science and Engineering?

A: My research journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences and the challenges I faced when growing up. I am Dr Tusekile Alfredy, and I pursued both my MSc and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology. My research focuses on water treatment, specifically using cost-effective materials sourced locally and transforming waste into valuable resources.

I was inspired to explore water treatment due to the struggles I experienced growing up in a village where access to clean and safe drinking water was a constant challenge. In my village, we had only two water options: the river and the spring. Although people believed that spring water was clean and safe due to its clear appearance, in reality, we had no proper treatment methods. River water, which was used for domestic purposes, required long journeys to fetch. My sisters and I would walk hours each day to bring water home, a burden that typically fell on women and girls in many African cultures.

Three key words—health, gender, and education—always come to mind when I think about water. These experiences ignited my passion for water research. Growing up in an area affected by high fluoride levels in the water further fueled my dedication. Fluoride contamination in Arusha, especially in the Meru district, causes significant health issues such as dental fluorosis, a condition that affected my own daughter. Watching her teeth change color daily was alarming, and I realized the connection to fluoridated water. I switched to bottled water for her, which ultimately inspired my PhD research on fluoride removal. Facing these real-life challenges motivated me to focus on developing effective water treatment methods, hoping to alleviate water scarcity and protect people from water-related health issues.

Q: Were there any challenges you faced along the way, in STEM? How did you overcome them?

A: Yes, challenges in research are inevitable, especially when balancing the roles of a mother, wife, and researcher. It can be quite demanding, but all of these roles are incredibly important to me. To overcome these challenges, I firmly committed to myself that nothing would stand in the way of achieving my dreams. With careful planning, I worked to balance my responsibilities, and through perseverance and faith, I managed them successfully.

Q: Can you briefly explain your current research and what inspired you to choose this field?

A: Currently, I am a project investigator of the project titled “Flow Capacitive Deionization for Green Removal and Recovery of Ammonium from Wastewater” which aims to contribute in addressing the challenge of costly and energy intensive removal and recovery of ammonium/ammonia from wastewater using a chemical-free and low-energy technology known as flow capacitive deionization (FCDI).

What inspired me to pursue this research is the dual benefit it offers. The process removes ammonia from wastewater and recovers it, providing both environmental and economic advantages. This approach allows for the simultaneous treatment of wastewater and the collection of concentrated ammonia, creating a circular economy solution that is both sustainable and efficient.

Q: How do you see your research contributing to solving real-world problems, particularly in Africa or other developing regions?

A: In developing countries like Tanzania, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, fertilizers are essential for achieving high crop yields. My research on the recovery of ammonia using an energy-efficient Flow Capacitive Deionization (FCDI) system at a larger scale offers a promising solution for locally producing fertilizers. This initiative has the potential to greatly improve agricultural productivity, reduce reliance on imported fertilizers, and enhance food security. By aligning with the agricultural priorities of Tanzania and other Sub-Saharan African nations, this project directly supports economic development goals and contributes to the region’s efforts toward sustainable growth.

Linking Research to the Empowerment of Girls

Q: In what ways do you think your research could impact or empower girls and women, either directly or indirectly?

A: My research has the potential to empower girls and women both directly and indirectly in several meaningful ways.

Water Access and Health: In many developing regions, women and girls are often responsible for fetching water. By developing efficient and sustainable water treatment solutions like Flow Capacitive Deionization (FCDI), we can improve water quality and reduce the time and effort needed to access safe drinking water. This would alleviate the daily burden of water collection, freeing up time for education, personal development, and economic activities.

Agricultural Empowerment: By promoting the local production of fertilizers from recovered ammonia, the project can enhance agricultural productivity. Since many women in rural areas are engaged in farming, access to affordable, locally-produced fertilizers could help improve their crop yields and income. Empowering women in agriculture can contribute to their financial independence and enhance food security for their families and communities.

Role Models in STEM: As a woman leading a research project in STEM, my work could inspire and encourage other women and girls to pursue careers in science and engineering. By demonstrating the impact of women’s contributions to solving real-world challenges, I hope to motivate more women to enter and excel in fields where they are often underrepresented.

Q: Do you believe your work can help inspire more young girls to pursue education and careers in STEM? If so, how?

A: Yes, I strongly believe that my work can help inspire more young girls to pursue education and careers in STEM. There are several ways in which this research and my own journey can serve as a source of inspiration;

Representation and Role Modeling: Seeing women leading innovative research projects in STEM can be a powerful motivator for young girls. My journey from a village with limited resources to becoming a researcher tackling global environmental challenges shows that it is possible for women to excel in STEM. When girls see someone they can relate to, it can help break the stereotype that STEM fields are only for men.

Relevance to Real-World Issues: The research I am engaged in directly addresses real-world problems, such as water purification and sustainable agriculture, which are particularly relevant to communities in developing regions. Demonstrating the tangible impact STEM can have on improving people’s lives and the environment can inspire girls to pursue careers in fields where they can make a meaningful difference.

Inspiration and Mentorship:

Q: As a successful  scholar, what advice would you give to young girls who dream of pursuing higher education and careers in sciences?

A: My advice to young girls who dream of pursuing higher education and careers in the sciences would be; to believe in themselves; girls should believe that they can achieve their goals, no matter how challenging they may seem. Sometimes, they can face obstacles, but trust in their abilities and stay focused on their dreams. Confidence in their potential is the key to pushing through difficult moments. Additionally, they should remain curious and never stop learning; science is all about curiosity and discovery. They should keep asking questions, stay open to learning new things, and don’t be afraid to explore areas that interest them. Each challenge they encounter will teach them something valuable that will bring them closer to their goals.

Q: Do you have a female mentor who has influenced your career path? How important do you think role models are for young girls?

A: Yes, I do have a female mentor who has significantly influenced my career path; Professor Tatiana Pogrebnaya. She was my supervisor during my MSc studies, but beyond that, she became a mentor and a mother figure to me. Her constant encouragement, leadership, and support were key to my academic journey. Whenever I faced challenges in my research, she knew how to lift my spirits and guide me through difficult times, always fostering an environment where I could excel.

Mentors are incredibly important, especially for young girls in STEM. They provide guidance encouragement, and serve as role models, helping to shape the next generation of researchers and pushing the boundaries of successful research even further. A mentor can inspire confidence and resilience, which are essential for overcoming challenges in the field.

Celebrating International Day of the Girl Child:

Q: What does the International Day of the Girl Child mean to you, and how do you connect it to your work or personal journey?

A: The International Day of the Girl Child holds profound personal significance for me, as it evokes memories of my own childhood and the challenges I witnessed. I remember that my mother was unable to read because she was not allowed to attend school and was forced into marriage, while my uncles had access to education. This day serves as a powerful reminder that girls have the right to education and should be empowered equally, just as boys are.

Additionally, during my secondary school years, I was often told that girls could not excel in science subjects. I was determined to challenge that notion and prove that it is indeed possible. I vividly recall that during my bachelor’s degree in mathematics, only three girls were among 30 students in the class. The International Day of the Girl Child is important to me because it symbolizes the progress and value of being a woman and reinforces the need for equal opportunities for girls, especially in education and STEM fields.

Q: How do you envision your research contributing to a better future for the next generation of girls?

A: I envision my research contributing to a better future for the next generation of girls by addressing real-world problems that directly impact their lives. By developing sustainable and effective solutions to challenges such as water scarcity and pollution, I hope to inspire young girls to engage with these issues and empower them to advocate for change.

I see myself as a role model and an ambassador for girls who have not fully realized their rights. My work aims to demonstrate that through education and innovative research, we can create a future where girls are not only empowered but also equipped to overcome the challenges that previous generations have faced. By paving the way for improved access to clean water and sustainable resources, I hope to contribute to a world where the next generation of girls can thrive and realize their full potential.

 Future Aspirations:

Q: What are your future goals for your research, and how do you hope it will continue to create change or drive impact?

A: My future goal in research is to become a leading female researcher known for innovative findings that address real-world challenges facing both local communities and the global population. I aspire to be a researcher who is adaptable to market needs, transforming ideas into viable solutions that contribute to economic development within my country.

Additionally, I hope to collaborate with researchers and institutions in developed countries to learn from their advancements and adopt practices that can significantly enhance the well-being of my community. By bridging the gap between innovative research and practical applications, I aim to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact through my work.

Q: How would you like to see more women and girls supported in STEM or academic research in the future?

A: I would like to see more women and girls supported in STEM and academic research through targeted initiatives that address both practical challenges and cultural barriers. This includes encouraging girls from a young age to explore STEM fields by providing access to resources, hands-on science programs, and strong role models. Implementing gender-sensitive policies, such as flexible work schedules, parental leave, and childcare support in academic institutions, is essential to help women balance their careers with personal responsibilities. Establishing networks and professional associations for women in STEM is also vital for fostering collaboration and mentorship. Furthermore, allocating specific funding and grants for women-led research projects, particularly in fields like water treatment and sustainability, will drive impactful innovation. Showcasing successful women in STEM as role models can inspire the next generation, while supporting STEM programs in underserved areas will help bridge educational gaps and empower girls from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in science and technology.