Juilia Potter

GCE Director and WIM President

2026 Medal of Merit Under 40

Julia Potter, winner of the Medal of Merit Under 40, is the Director of the Geotechnical Center of Excellence (GCE) at The University of Arizona. In this role since 2022, she has led a team of engineers and students conducting applied research and developing professional development courses for the mining industry. Her work includes advancing research in thermal imaging technologies for detecting rockfalls in open-pit mines and expanding globally recognized professional training programs. Potter has broad experience across the mining industry, including highly technical work, leadership roles, advanced academic research, and impactful community service. Julia spent 11 years with Call & Nicholas, Inc. in their Tucson office, ultimately becoming a part-owner. During this time, she worked on some of the most technically challenging mining projects in the world. Her work involved geotechnical modeling and analysis to support safe and efficient mining operations on complex international projects. Potter has been asked to serve in 2026 as Co-Chair of the International Slope Stability in Mining Conference and the American Rock Mechanics Association Symposium. Julia’s work with Women in Mining has also been exemplary. As President of Women in Mining Arizona (2020-2022), she played a key role in expanding the organization’s reach and impact. She was elected as Vice President and President of WIM USA in 2022 and 2025, respectively. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced significant growth in membership, conference participation, programming, and fundraising. Potter was named to Women in Mining UK's 2024 WIM100 list.

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