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UAF photo by Leif Van Cise.
From left, Zakiya Nurudeen, Sujan Joshi and Jabel Kwaw stand in front of the Usibelli Building on Feb. 18, 2025.

By Miranda Miller

UAF’s roots are in the industries critical to Alaska’s economy from its earliest days. The institution began in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, focusing on research and teaching in support of agriculture and mining.

Almost 15 years ago, gold mining companies Kinross Alaska and Sumitomo Metal Mining made an investment in shaping the future with the Mining Engineering Research Endowment at UAF, allowing the endowment to grow from a starting value of $2 million to almost $6 million today. The companies’ shared vision for sustainable mining practices, community engagement and support for the next generation of mining engineers has ensured the future of this research endowment — and, with it, the future of sustainable mining.

Nicole Misarti, director of the Institute of Northern Engineering at UAF, said ongoing support from donors is critical to the university’s work.

“The endowment’s impact extends beyond the classroom," she said. “These students will carry their research and innovations into the mining industry. With ongoing support from donors like Kinross Alaska and Sumitomo Metal Mining, the future of mining research in Alaska and beyond will be assured.”

Bill Schnabel, dean of the College of Engineering and Mines, said the legacy of this research endowment will be felt for generations to come, not only through the students whose careers they’ve supported but also through the positive impact they will have on the mining industry and the world. “The research endowment supports graduate students researching innovative and sustainable mining practices. In many cases, they have changed lives and expanded opportunities for their communities,” he said.

Now the companies are working with the university to expand the program to include undergraduates through a partnership with the UAF College of Engineering and Mines.

Jabal Kwaw

The research endowment provides critical support to students like Jabel Kwaw, a Ph.D. candidate whose research focuses on the absorption capacity of hydrogen in rock samples. Originally from Ghana, Kwaw grew up in a mining community where he witnessed firsthand the environmental and societal impacts of the industry.

“I’ve seen how mining can negatively affect the environment and people’s lives,” Kwaw said. “This is why I’m focused on finding sustainable solutions, to reduce those impacts while still providing the resources that the world needs.”

Kwaw’s research on hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage in coal seams has the potential to revolutionize the mining industry. By capturing and storing CO2 underground and using hydrogen as an energy source, Kwaw hopes to reduce the carbon footprint of mining operations. He envisions a future where mining operations are powered by renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen, and the surrounding communities can benefit from these technologies as well.

The Mining Engineering Research Endowment Scholarship has been crucial to Kwaw’s ability to pursue his groundbreaking research. “Without this scholarship, I don’t think I’d be able to afford my tuition,” he said. “It has been a lifesaver, not just financially but also in terms of giving me the freedom to focus on my research.”

Zakiya Nurudeen

Zakiya Nurudeen, a master’s candidate in lab design for rare earth elements extraction tests, is also a scholarship recipient. Zakiya’s research aims to develop a more sustainable method of extracting REEs from coal ash, a byproduct of coal mining that has become an environmental concern. 

“Coal ash is accumulating at an alarming rate,” Zakiya said. “We need to find a way to recycle it and extract the rare earth elements before it becomes an even bigger environmental problem.”

Zakiya’s commitment to sustainable mining is driven by her desire to contribute to global solutions for climate change. “I want to be a part of history, part of research that helps not just my country but the world,” she said. “Finding renewable ways to extract resources, like REEs, is key to fighting climate change.”

The support from the Mining Engineering Research Endowment has allowed Zakiya to focus on her research without the financial burden that often accompanies graduate studies. “The scholarship has given me the opportunity to work in the lab and start my research. It also supported me with a stipend during the summer, helping me to cover my health insurance and monthly expenses. Without this support, I wouldn’t be able to focus fully on my research or my coursework.”

For Zakiya, the impact of the scholarship goes beyond the financial assistance — it has provided her with the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to her field. “I’m able to pursue my academic goals without worrying about the financial constraints, and I’m hopeful that my research will lead to publications and real-world applications.”

Sujan Joshi

UAF graduate student Sujan Joshi is researching critical minerals and their extraction processes. These are crucial to everything from digital technologies to national security. “To be a part of this research, contributing to the extraction process, is something I’m really proud of. It feels good to know that I’m contributing to something that will benefit the world.”

Sujan’s motivation for pursuing a career in mining engineering is driven by the global need for a sustainable energy transition. “All the elements we mine from the earth are key to that transition. From renewable energy sources to green technologies, mining is integral to that shift.” In addition, Sujan said that “mining is a field where you can contribute and receive financial stability in return. The future is bright in mining.” 

Sujan’s decision to study at UAF was influenced by its strong connections with the mining industry. “UAF has a history of linking academia with industry. We learn from professors who are industry experts, and we get exposure to real-world environments. This connection between academia and industry is what brought me here.”

Like his peers, Sujan is deeply grateful for the support he has received through the Mining Engineering Research Endowment. “Without this scholarship, it would have been very difficult for me to pursue my studies,” he admits. “It has helped me tremendously in advancing my research and my career.”

Changing lives

Dean Schnabel said the Mining Engineering Research Endowment scholarships are not only changing the lives of students like Kwaw, Zakiya and Sujan — they are also changing the future of the mining industry. By supporting research into sustainable mining practices, the scholarships are helping to address the challenges from environmental concerns to the demand for critical minerals.

Kwaw said the scholarships are helping to train the next generation of engineers who will shape the future of mining.

“Through this scholarship, I’ve been able to meet people from diverse fields, which has expanded my critical thinking skills and deepened my understanding of mining and sustainability,” he said. “We’re moving away from old, manual methods of mining and toward more automated, sustainable solutions.”

Miranda Miller is a development coordinator for the UAF Advancement team.