Early Career and Foundation in Sierra Leone
Joseph Alex Musa, M.S., M.Eng., P.E., began his remarkable journey as a Water Engineer in Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Water Resources, where he served as Regional Engineer for the Eastern and Southern Provinces from 1989 to 2000. During this period, he revitalized broken water systems in towns like Koidu and Jaiama Nimikor, restoring clean water access to thousands of families . His work with the UNDP and British Water Aid Project in Kono District demonstrated early excellence in addressing critical infrastructure gaps, earning him a German government scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Water Resources in 1991.
Humanitarian Work in Conflict Zones
Returning to Sierra Leone during the civil war, Musa coordinated water and sanitation efforts for displaced populations, including amputees and refugees in Gondama camps . His passion for humanitarian work later led him to the Great Lakes Region of Africa, where he partnered with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Rwanda . In these conflict zones, he implemented lifesaving projects under extreme conditions, including restoring water to a Burundian hospital that had been without supply for eight years—a feat that earned him the nickname “Dieu D’eau” (God of Water) from local communities . Despite security risks, he learned French within three months to train hospital staff and design waste management systems that prevented disease outbreaks .
Engineering Excellence in the United States
Relocating to the U.S. in 2000 through the diversity lottery program, Musa faced initial challenges, working as a warehouse assistant before reestablishing his engineering career. He earned a second master’s degree in Environmental Civil Engineering from Howard University in 2008, where he later mentored students as a Teaching and Research Assistant. His professional achievements include serving as an Environmental Engineer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he manages air emissions programs and ensures compliance with the Clean Air Act . In 2024, he was named NIH Engineer of the Year and received the National Institutes of Health Federal Engineers of the Year Award (FEYA) from the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE),
Global Recognition and Legacy
Musa’s accolades reflect his lifelong commitment to humanitarian service and engineering innovation. On August 31, 2025, he received the African Community Service Award (ACSA) for Impacting Lives in Africa, followed by the Lifetime Award for Excellence in Engineering and Humanitarian Affairs from the Sierra Leone Association of Artists and Musicians (SLAAM) in June 2024 . Earlier honors include the Community Service Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in April 2023 and recognition as an Eminent Engineer by Tau Beta Pi at Howard University in December 2023 . His work continues to inspire engineers globally, blending technical expertise with unwavering compassion for vulnerable communities.
Quotes and Personal Insights
Reflecting on his experiences, Musa once stated: “Seeing the starving and suffering of my people fueled my passion to make a difference” . A former colleague from the DRC praised his resilience: “Despite security situations, you completed projects that remain sustainable decades later” . Musa attributes his success to perseverance, faith, and the support of his family, including his wife Jestina and daughter Sarah.
Conclusion: A Model of Leadership and Service
Joseph Alex Musa’s journey from revitalizing water systems in rural Sierra Leone to leading environmental initiatives at NIH—exemplifies how engineering expertise can drive transformative humanitarian change. His story underscores the power of education, adaptability, and courage in overcoming adversity. As he continues to mentor future engineers and advocate for global water security, Musa remains a beacon of hope and a testament to Sierra Leone’s potential for producing world-changing leaders.
