THE YEMAYA PROJECT
REPORT ON THE 6-MONTH FULLY FUNDED RESEARCH PhD TRAINEESHIP AT FREIBERG TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY (TU BAF) IN GERMANY UNDER THE YEMAYA PROJECT
The first cohort of PhD students from 5 partner universities had the privilege to participate in the YEMAYA Research Traineeship, a fully-funded, 6-month research and training program held at Freiberg Technical University of Mining and Technology (TU BAF) in Germany during the summer semester, from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. The YEMAYA project is dedicated to empowering female PhD candidates in STEM, equipping them with skills to develop sustainable solutions to environmental issues, especially within mining communities.
YEMAYA’s research centers on areas such as Ecosystem Conservation, Soil Remediation and Rehabilitation, Renewable Energy, and Water Treatment. Part of the project’s vision includes developing a YEMAYA village, where select mining communities will be studied to create sustainable solutions addressing the impacts of mining on local communities and ecosystems. The project represents a collaborative effort across five universities: two in Kenya (Taita Taveta University and Machakos University), two in Ghana (University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, and University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya), and one in Nigeria (University of Nigeria, Nsukka). Following a competitive selection process, eight female researchers from these universities were chosen to participate.
During their traineeship, they were affiliated with GRAFA, the graduate school that prioritized leadership development. One key aim was to foster an African competence network across the participating universities. Every Friday, we gathered for leadership training focused on identifying and solving community problems under the theme “Project of Hope.” Colleagues presented innovative ideas on repurposing waste materials—for instance, converting old car tires into flower pots or using rice husk to create biodegradable plates and utensils. A significant portion of their discussions centered on solutions to the plastic waste crisis, including reusing bottles as construction materials, flower vases, and other household items to minimize environmental impact.
A key aspect of the GRAFA sessions included visits to different research institutes, where the students interacted with professionals and toured laboratories. They observed that most equipment and resources in the labs were developed in-house to save costs. In one lab, hydrogen was generated and stored for analysis, showcasing efficient and sustainable practices which was admirable.
Another significant learning point was the training on handling fear and challenges, described as the “three F’s”—Fight, Freeze, or Flight. They were encouraged to develop self-management techniques, such as taking a walk or hydrating, to regain focus and confidence. They also learned that effective leadership involves providing room for subordinates to share their ideas, fostering innovation and teamwork for more substantial outcomes.
In addition to leadership training, they also focused on strengthening their technical skills. They worked closely with various supervisors/research team, developing a structured research plan with defined objectives and regular updates. For example:
One of the students from Ghana undertook research that included:
- Evaluating the extent of heavy metals contamination in soil samples from Kwabeng and Akyem Akropong mining sites.
- Assessing the fertility of mining-affected soils to naturally support vegetation and crops.
- Implementing area-specific, nature-based solutions to improve the fertility of low-quality post-mining soils.
Rose Tomno PhD student, from Machakos University Kenya, worked at the Institute of Nanoscale and Biobased Materials (INBM) in the Biosensor lab, developing highly selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Ion Imprinted polymer for detection of arsenic in the environment. Synthesis, characterization and fabrication of the synthesized ion imprinted polymer material on electrodes.
In addition to working in the lab, all the students participated in workshops, discussions and presentations on different research areas including waste management and disposal techniques, water remediation and cleaner energy all geared towards achieving clean environment for a sustainable future.
TESTIMONIALS
1. Bernice Araba Otoo, Ghana PhD Student
With guidance from my supervisor, I performed hands-on analysis using advanced equipment, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology, which I previously studied only in theory. Results from the XRF analysis indicated low levels of heavy metals contamination, though further contamination factor analysis revealed moderate contamination, with the pollution load index suggesting deterioration of the surface soil. Soil fertility assessments confirmed nutrient deficiencies, highlighting the need for further research in Ghana to identify suitable organic amendments for agricultural use.
My coursework at TU BAF included Environmental Geotechnics, covering topics such as mining waste disposal and management, post-mining impacts, and waste treatment strategies. These sessions broadened my understanding of environmental impacts linked to mining and equipped me with practical skills in GIS and Python for data analysis.
Throughout the traineeship, I learned the importance of critical questioning and in-depth research to achieve clear insights and project progress. Effective research requires understanding methodology, repeatability, and reproducibility, as well as continuous reflection on both findings and methods.
This experience also reinforced essential leadership principles. Laboratory challenges should be treated as learning opportunities, not setbacks, and personal growth comes from sharing ideas openly. I built intercultural relationships, joined discussions, and actively engaged in classes, including a memorable one-week Limnology field trip to learn lake sampling techniques.
2. Rose Tomno, PhD student, Machakos, Kenya
I would wish to express my gratitude to the YEMAYA (Women in science) project coordinators lead by Dr. Kristina Wopat for organizing our research stay. My home supervisors Dr. Elizabeth Ndunda and Dr. Veronicah Okello and my host supervisors Dr. Parvaneh Rahimi and Professor Yvonne Joseph, thank you for your guidance, mentorship and support throughout my research stay. The exchange program was indeed a great opportunity to appreciate people’s diverse cultures as well as the beauty of this planet, to broadly expand thinking horizon, a great chance for networking and prepares a student for the working and research world internationally.
Reflections and Lessons
1. During their time in Germany, the students embraced politeness, accountability, and the courage to confront unfamiliar situations. They also observed the importance of self-confidence, direct communication, and the collaborative nature of German culture, where active participation and body language are valued.
2. The YEMAYA project aims to foster long-term collaborations among the five universities, where participants share solutions to community issues that may be adapted across partner countries. Additionally, students gained valuable networking opportunities with researchers and faculty members, broadening their professional network for future collaborations.
3. Participating in this traineeship was an invaluable experience that combined hands-on research, leadership development, and networking. That the skills and knowledge acquired will greatly contribute to the students’ academic and professional growth.
The entire CoSuDAf team extends their gratitude to the management, YEMAYA, and Erasmus+ for the successful implementation of this project.
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