“I’m determined not to be the last”

Mercy Nandutu first got excited about science in primary school—she liked the challenge of solving complex problems. “I was captivated by the prospect of encountering new problems and the thrill of unraveling their solutions,” she said. 

Today, Mercy is a nuclear engineer earning her second master’s degree—in fact, she’s the first person from her village in Uganda ever to become a nuclear engineer. “If that young girl from my past could witness my journey to becoming a nuclear engineer, she would undoubtedly feel an overwhelming sense of empowerment and possibility,” reflected Mercy. “Seeing my achievements, she would believe that she is capable of overcoming any obstacle and achieving her dreams. She would feel a sense of representation and validation in seeing someone like herself excel in the field.”

Mercy did face obstacles on the way to her dream—but with the support of our long-time partner, Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH), she was able to continue her studies into secondary school and graduate: “Considering the challenging circumstances at home, characterized by poverty and a lack of basic necessities, the journey to completing high school was something little Mercy could never have imagined.”

AAH’s support opened several doors for Mercy, including exposure to other organizations and funders who recognized her talent and awarded her scholarships for her bachelor’s degree in physics and both master’s degrees in nuclear engineering. 

“Their ongoing support extends beyond financial assistance; they have connected me with influential mentors who provide invaluable guidance and mentorship along my journey,” said Mercy. “These aspects of AAH's program have had the greatest impact on me, providing both practical support and access to mentorship opportunities that have been crucial to my personal and academic growth.”

Mercy was recently invited to participate the International Atomic Energy Agency’s "For More Women in Nuclear" Conference in honor of International Women's Day, an event that brought together women in the field to exchange ideas and provide career development and networking opportunities. “For the purpose of diversity and inclusion, I believe it is critical to have more girls in STEM fields.”

“While I may be the first woman nuclear engineer from my village, I'm determined not to be the last. With the educational opportunities provided by AAH, I'm confident that many more girls will follow in my footsteps, not just in nuclear engineering but in various fields,” reflected Mercy. “I want my story to inspire young girls and women in my community to believe in their own capabilities and to pursue their passions, particularly in STEM fields.”

After her master’s graduation, Mercy hopes to join the team overseeing Uganda’s implementation of the inclusion of nuclear into its energy mix. “I can't wait to put the knowledge and abilities I've gained from my studies to address the world's energy problems. Ultimately, I hope to play a role in shaping nuclear policy and regulations to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of nuclear technology, benefiting both society and the environment.”

But as Mercy plans to work on her country’s energy future, she’ll never forget her past and the girls back home who are growing up in similar situations to her own. “In addition to my nuclear-related goals, I would like to advocate for young girls and boys in underdeveloped communities in Uganda and the world at large to pursue careers in STEM.”

This Women's History Month, donations will support the Partner Coalition, an STF program ensuring a girl like Mercy has the support she needs to turn her dreams into her reality.

Will you donate today so more girls can experience their dreams come true?