TLT: How long have you worked in a lubrication-related field, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the lubricants industry? 
Mushrush: I have been in MOLYKOTE® specialty lubricants for just over five years. I was in Dow Core R&D just before that and became involved in some interesting collaboration work looking at new solid lubricants in antifriction coatings. I loved the project, and when a job opened up the following year, I did not hesitate to apply! 

TLT: What has been your most rewarding accomplishment throughout your career in the lubricants industry? 
Mushrush: For me, the development of a new series of solid lubricants was a particularly rewarding project. In the end, the cost structure showed the lubricants were too expensive to make, but the materials were fascinating. Overall, though, the most rewarding part of my role is when I am able to help customers find a solution that works in their applications. 



TLT: What STEM outreach activities are you involved in? 
Mushrush: Before the COVID-19 pandemic kept us stuck at home, I would do a science day with each of my three children’s school classes and make something fun with them to learn. My favorite was the year we made toothbrush-head robots with a battery and pager motor that buzzed around the floor like roaches. Besides the schools, I volunteer for various community opportunities as often as I can!  

TLT: What is the No. 1 piece of advice you would give to a person who might be interested in starting a career in the lubricants industry? 
Mushrush: You don’t have to know what tribology is coming into the space! I think any field benefits immensely from diverse backgrounds of training and experience, and lubricants are no exception. 

TLT: Throughout the different segments within your career, which one has been the most interesting, challenging and/ or rewarding? 
Mushrush: Joining MOLYKOTE® has been the most rewarding segment in my career. Our group is tightly knit and passionate about what we do. The group dynamic makes challenging work a lot more fun. I think any field benefits immensely from diverse backgrounds of training and experience, and lubricants are no exception. 

TLT: What are some of the most technical lubrication-based concepts or topics you have encountered throughout your career? 
Mushrush: Two challenges in the field that are of great interest to me are 1.) measurement statistics (wear is a fascinating example, since the variability of measurement increases as a system approaches failure) and 2.) accelerated testing. In many cases the established test for a given application is lengthy and requires actual system assembly, often with large or costly components. I am very interested in developing tests that can mimic these lengthy or expensive tests and save a lot of time and money to evaluate lubricants. 

TLT: What is the one thing you wish you would have learned earlier in your career? 
Mushrush: To advocate for myself ! Although amazing progress toward gender equality has been made, I have found in my 20 years in a career where I am often the only woman (or one of the only few women in the room) that I have a responsibility to ensure that my voice is heard. 

You can reach Melissa Mushrush at melissa.a.mushrush@dupont.com.