Can you tell us a bit about your background?

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I studied chemical engineering in Italy through a five-year degree program, which at the time combined both bachelor’s and master’s level studies. I later completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry at Politecnico di Milano. My academic journey was not linear or planned in advance, but developed gradually through experience and opportunities that emerged along the way. At the end of my studies, I wasn’t sure what the next step should be for me. Around that time, I met a PhD student, and as I began asking questions about their experience, I quickly realised that pursuing a PhD was exactly what I wanted to do and the path I wanted to follow. When I completed my PhD at the beginning of 2009, I stayed at my home university as a postdoctoral researcher. After a few years, I decided to gain experience abroad, something I hadn’t had the chance to do during my doctorate. I applied for a three‑month contract at Imperial College London, thinking it would be a valuable professional step and a great opportunity to improve my English. In the end, those initial three months became six, and eventually I stayed for two years. What began as a brief international experience evolved into a transformative chapter in my career and my life. My choices in general were often shaped by practical considerations as much as by curiosity, and I learned early on to adapt to circumstances rather than follow a predefined plan.

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What made you choose a career in science and process modelling?

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During my PhD, I had the opportunity to work both experimentally and on modelling activities. While laboratory work was interesting, since my natural way of thinking is more abstract, I particularly enjoyed developing models, working with equations, and understanding complex systems mathematically. This experience helped me recognize that process modelling was not only something I could do well, but something I genuinely enjoyed.

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What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

 

At this stage of my career, I especially enjoy collaboration. I like working with people from different technical backgrounds and combining expertise to reach common objectives. Collaborating with other departments, clients, and academic partners is very motivating. Another aspect I value is seeing how theoretical concepts and models are applied in real industrial contexts. I find it particularly rewarding to work at the interface between disciplines, where different perspectives help turn theoretical ideas into solutions that can be applied in real industrial contexts.

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What was it like moving from academia to a company?

 

The move from academia to industry was challenging, mainly from a personal and psychological perspective. Academia had always been my initial career goal, so transitioning into industry felt like letting go of a long-term dream. However, my first role within a company had a strong research culture, which helped ease the transition. Over time, I came to understand that both academia and industry have advantages and limitations, and today I do not regret the decision to move.

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What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field?

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Throughout my career, I have often worked in environments with a very small number of women. This became even more noticeable in industry, especially at senior levels, where it is common to be the only woman in meetings. In those situations, I sometimes felt slightly “out of context,” as if I were stepping into spaces not originally shaped with someone like me in mind. I also believe that unconscious bias still exists, particularly in recruitment and promotion processes. Confidence and visibility often play an important role in career progression, and differences in how people present themselves can influence decisions, sometimes without anyone being fully aware of it. These subtle dynamics, combined with the recurring sense of not fully fitting the expected profile, were among the most personal challenges I faced.

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Have you seen changes in how women are treated in science over the years?

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Yes, there has definitely been progress over the years. The number of women entering scientific and engineering fields has increased, and awareness around diversity has improved. However, the change is still slow. For real equality to be achieved, company initiatives must be accompanied by broader societal changes, so that supportive policies become standard rather than exceptions.

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What advice would you give to young women starting a career in science?

 

My main advice is not to limit yourself. Many women unconsciously place restrictions on what they believe they can achieve, especially in male-dominated environments. Do not assume that a role is not for you simply because there are few women in that space. Sometimes being the first is challenging, but it can also open the door for others to follow.​

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What advice would you give to PhD students?

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One important thing I wish I had known earlier is that there are many fulfilling career paths beyond academia. A PhD provides strong transferable skills such as problem solving, independence, and critical thinking, which are highly valuable in industry. I would also encourage PhD students to take opportunities to work in different labs or countries whenever possible, as these experiences greatly broaden both scientific and personal perspectives. Furthermore, maintaining the discipline to read widely and remain intellectually curious. New ideas rarely emerge in isolation. They are often the result of engaging deeply with existing knowledge, both within and beyond one’s immediate field.

 

What do you hope will change for women in science in the next few years?

 

I hope to see faster progress toward equality, with more women not only entering scientific careers but also advancing into leadership positions. Representation is improving, but it needs to increase more rapidly. Creating truly inclusive environments will require sustained effort from institutions, companies, and society as a whole