The global award is dedicated to pioneering women from developing countries pursuing post-graduate studies in STEM subjects.

Joyce is researching how to improve the resilience of the electricity sector in Malawi against extreme weather events. In 2022, tropical Storm Ana knocked out a significant part of Malawi’s electrical infrastructure, with climate change expected to make these storm events more common.

The Schlumberger Foundation is a non-profit organisation that supports science and technology education. The Foundation’s flagship program, Faculty for the Future, recognising the link between science, technology, and socio-economic development, as well as the key role of education in realising individual potential

Since 2004, the program has grown to become a community of 807 women from 86 countries. In 2022, 37 new grants were awarded, and 57 grants were renewed.

Speaking about her achievement, Joyce said: “In times like these, I am inspired by John F. Kennedy’s words: ‘We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives’. Schlumberger has made a very big difference in my life.”

Richard Blanchard, Joyce’s PhD Supervisor, added: “Joyce’s Schlumberger Award is testament to the importance of her research for the people of Malawi and is a recognition of her as a pioneer for women in engineering research and education in Africa. Joyce will inspire countless female students into STEM subjects.”

Joyce has already co-authored a journal article on the impacts and resilience of the electricity supply industry against Covid19 restrictions in the UK, Malawi, and Uganda. Joyce is also a Commonwealth Scholar that covers her fees and a stipend.  Joyce is supervised by Dr Richard Blanchard and Dr Zhengyu Lin.

Find out more about the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future here.