STLE honors women in tribology
By Rachel Fowler, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief | TLT Publisher's Pen March 2024
A new publication and panel will show the successes and challenges for women in the industry.
This month, STLE is launching its newest publication titled “STLE Women in Tribology and Lubrication: Perspectives From Leaders in the Field.” STLE President Dr. Hong Liang started this project before the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the many challenges in 2020 and having to cancel the STLE Annual Meeting, this project got pushed back.
Fast forward to 2023—things started moving again for this publication, and it will be published on March 1 and available digitally for free. This book shares the stories and thoughts of 10 established senior women lubrication scientists and engineers who have spent at least 25 years of their professional careers in the field. Each woman answers personal questions about their experiences up to the stage where they are now, ups and downs in their career, work-life balance and more. While these examples highlight just a portion of the contributions made by women in lubrication and tribology, they demonstrate the diversity and impact of their work in this important field.
These women have been brave enough to share their honest thoughts and experiences and answer personal questions. Their research and expertise have practical applications in industries ranging from transportation to healthcare to manufacturing. To quote STLE President Dr. Hong Liang in the introduction of this publication, “The visibility of successful women in lubrication and tribology serves as inspiration for young girls and aspiring professionals.” I’m honored to have worked on this publication, and the stories of these 10 women are truly inspiring.
To expand on the topic, there will be a new Women in Tribology Panel at the STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition on Tuesday, May 21, 5-6 p.m. CT. The entire conference is May 19-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The free-to-attend panel, open to all STLE Annual Meeting registrants, will focus on women in the industry with an emphasis on career paths and advice. There will be opening speakers along with interactive discussion with panelists. Please join and share your questions, thoughts and experiences on bringing more women into the industry and helping advance their careers.
For questions, comments or feedback on the “STLE Women in Tribology and Lubrication: Perspectives From Leaders in the Field” publication, or if you have questions or comments you’d like to submit before the Women in Tribology Panel, email
community@stle.org.
To download your free copy of the publication, visit
www.stle.org/womenintribology.
You can reach TLT publisher/editor-in-chief Rachel Fowler at rfowler@stle.org.