Rachael Amoah  (COURTESY) 

Every morning at 7 o’clock, Rachael Amoah, a young woman from Ghana, prepares for a new day of challenges and innovations at a leading aerospace company in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. In March last year, she completed her studies in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), and fulfilled her ambition to work in this megalopolis. 

In 2017, she came to China to pursue an undergraduate degree at the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Amoah demonstrated exceptional talent in aeronautical engineering during her studies, which strengthened her determination to move forward in this field. After a rigorous selection process, Amoah was admitted to the master’s programme in the Department of Propulsion at SJTU, where she pursued her dream of working in the aeronautical sector with passion and dedication. 

A passion for flying machines 

Since childhood, Amoah has been fascinated by aircraft and is now determined to make her mark in the field of aviation. She was convinced that being close to aircraft was the key to realising her dream. She had always known that her academic career would lead her to this goal. Even during her secondary school years in Ghana, she spent many hours studying natural sciences and geography.  

Her relentless quest for knowledge took her all the way to China, a country renowned for its significant contributions to aerospace. At SJTU, Amoah specialised in the study of aircraft engines. She finds them to be veritable masterpieces of technology. She is amazed by the complexity and precision required for different components and systems of an engine to work together harmoniously, and finds it fascinating that this equipment enables the aircraft to fly. It’s an area of research that demands a lot of time and effort.  

The focus of her research is algorithms to reduce engine noise. Once she enters the laboratory, her sole objective is to find the best and most practical solution from among the many possible methods for solving the noise problem. Hard work is undoubtedly the key to success. “It’s very valuable and meaningful research,” she said. The ocean of aviation research is a testament to the team’s commitment and perseverance, she added. 

Rachael Amoah (second left) visits the C919 production workshop in Shanghai in September 2023  (COURTESY) 

Amoah had the opportunity to observe the birth of the C919, a domestic aircraft developed by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), during her rewarding internship in Shanghai. Starting on 18 September 2023, she worked in the aircraft evaluation section of the sales and marketing department. During her month-long placement, Amoah learned valuable lessons and acquired skills in assessing the value of aircraft and engines. She also participated in discussions on the African aviation market, passenger expectations, and the development of air networks. 

While China has considerable influence in Africa, its presence in the field of aviation may be less pronounced. During her internship at COMAC, Amoah realised that the aircraft manufacturing company could assist Ghana in establishing its own national airline, thereby creating more opportunities for Ghanaians interested in this field and boosting the country’s economy. She expressed her hope that COMAC and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority could collaborate to achieve this goal. 

Amoah is committed to putting her heart and soul into this vision. In Africa, female representation in the aviation industry is insignificant. As a woman, “I aspire to contribute to the growth of this industry on our continent. I have always sought to pursue a unique path in life,” she told ChinAfrica.  

The importance of role models and effective communication cannot be overstated. “Although the journey of learning in China presented its challenges, I was able to adapt to the different teaching methods. Despite encountering obstacles, I never lost faith in my ability to overcome them,” she said. 

Standing in front of a wall decorated with portraits of SJTU’s distinguished academics, the words of her mentor, Ma Wei, reverberated in her mind: “In research, we succeed by building on the work of others. These pioneers paved the way, laying the foundations that inspire and guide today’s researchers.” At that moment, all her apprehensions and uncertainties vanished.  

Rachael Amoah (left) talks with her Chinese colleagues during her internship in COMAC Shanghai in September 2023 (COURTESY) 

Models and communication 

Communication has proven to be a powerful motivator. The enriching experiences during her university career encouraged her to persevere. She developed strong relationships with professors and teachers, seeking their guidance whenever necessary. Discussing her studies, research projects, and placements with her mentors helped her refine her understanding of scientific research. 

She is grateful for the support of her family. Amoah recalls her initial days in Shanghai when she was afraid of getting lost. Her father encouraged her by telling her that getting lost is how you find your way out. Without his support, she wouldn’t have achieved all that was possible. She would like to thank her family and her father, who accompanied her to the graduation ceremony last March.  

Since moving to China in 2017, Amoah has immersed herself in the study of Chinese language, supported by the unfailing encouragement of her parents. Her interest in Chinese instrumental music and videos in the local language keeps her connected to this rich culture. Linguistic developments in Shanghai, with increasing interaction between Chinese people learning English and foreigners with a command of Chinese, are breaking down cultural barriers, enriching her daily experience. 

At the age of 25, the young Ghanaian enjoys listening to the conversations of elderly people in Shanghai bus stations. Although she doesn’t always understand what they are saying, she is touched by their friendly smiles. She finds such experiences enriching.  

As for the future, she aspires to make her mark in the aviation industry, armed with her solid academic background. She is ready to embrace opportunities aligned with her skills and experience. “Perhaps in the future, my photo will also feature here, in recognition of my contribution to the development of SJTU,” she said as she flashed a beaming smile at the wall of academics.