Alum Receives Medal of Merit from Mining Foundation of the Southwest

Angela Watt, who earned a bachelor's degree in mining engineering in 2007, was recently awarded a Medal of Merit from the Mining Foundation of the Southwest. Specifically, she received the Medal of Merit for mining professionals under 40. She currently serves as the manager of underground engineering for South32. During her time at the University of Arizona, Watt helped establish and lead the UA chapter of the Engineers Without Borders student organization.

According to the Mining Foundation, Watt grew up on a cattle ranch in Southern Arizona and developed an early passion for rock collecting.  She graduated from Nogales High School, excelling in academics, competing in school sports and embracing leadership roles – including being elected to serve as the Arizona president for the Future Business Leaders of America organization. 

Guided by her enjoyment of math and science, she enrolled in the College of Engineering.  However, it was a visit to the university’s San Xavier Mining Laboratory, a student-run underground mine, where she found her calling to underground mining.