TLT: How were you introduced to tribology?
Websky: During my undergraduate studies in materials science, I felt a sense of disorientation. The program was heavily theoretical, and despite my part-time role as a research assistant in the Department of Applied Nanotechnology, I struggled to find practical applications for my knowledge.

The bachelor’s program required a nine-week internship, and I applied to Danfoss Power Solutions, then known as Sauer Danfoss. My initial preference was for the materials laboratory, but my interest shifted after I got to know the tribology department. Tribology was barely covered in my studies at the time, but after being exposed to the variety of tribological aspects, I wanted to learn more. As a result, I took a year off from university, extended my internship and completed my undergraduate thesis in collaboration with Danfoss.

After this immersive experience, I continued and completed my master’s degree in materials science and engineering and rejoined Danfoss, this time as a full-time tribology engineer.

TLT: What has been your most rewarding accomplishment throughout your career in the lubricants industry?
Websky: To answer this question, it is important to understand what my position as a tribologist is responsible for.

This position covers a wide range of tasks. These include influencing series production, ensuring robustness and providing guidance on factors such as surface texture parameters and limits to ensure application success, as well as identifying causes of unexpected behavior, implementing preventive measures and influencing procurement decisions. In addition, the role provides a critical link between various departments, serving as a liaison between sales, marketing, engineering, fluid/additive suppliers and end-customers. This includes navigating industry challenges, staying abreast of evolving customer requirements and regulatory changes and providing insight into fluid manufacturing decisions.

In this context, I see the creation of added value through critical hydraulic knowledge and the ability to make this knowledge available to the various stakeholders in a sustainable manner as one of my most rewarding achievements.

Providing essential insight and support helps build trust among colleagues, external collaborators and valued customers. This trust, fostered by a commitment to transparent communication and expertise, leads to effective collaboration and ensures the best possible advice and support for customers.

TLT: As a young tribologist, what would be your advice to students and early careerists?
Websky: I would like to mention three things that I consider very helpful.
1. During your studies, actively seek out internships, participate in student projects and take advantage of opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Not only will this enhance your technical skills, but it also will help you build valuable networks that are essential in the dynamic technology environment.
2. Maintain a curious and adaptable mindset in the workplace. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to remain open to new ideas. While specializing in tribology, be open to interdisciplinary approaches. Tribology often intersects with other fields
you might not expect. A broad skillset can make you more versatile.
3. Be aware of your strengths and work to build on them. Not only will this make your working life much more enjoyable, but it also will help you progress in one area or another rather than focusing on your weaknesses.

TLT: Throughout the different aspects within your career, which one has been the most interesting, challenging and/or rewarding?
Websky: Personally, one of the most interesting aspects is being part of a global team of experts working in four different locations around the world. Our commitment revolves around consistently sharing knowledge and experiences. When advising both internal and external clients, we present a unified front with a shared perspective. Despite the challenge of coordinating suitable meeting times, our weekly online discussions and regular face-to-face meetings facilitate the exchange of crucial updates from our individual laboratories, which often includes controversial and challenging interactions. This collaboration not only unifies the group but also adds fascinating dimensions to our work as we support one another in offering advice and addressing cases. At the same time, you come into very close contact with other personalities, cultures and mentalities in a way that is special and rewarding at the same time.

TLT: What are some of the most technical lubrication-based concepts or topics you have encountered throughout your career?
Websky: One of the most challenging issues in the field of hydraulics is selecting the right oil for each customer’s application, as there is an extreme variety of fluids with different specifications. In order to tackle this topic, it is imperative to understand customer needs. Developing a strategy that could be globally aligned requires navigating diverse perspectives, local constraints and customer preferences.

I aim to support the customer in designing the system to meet individual requirements, share experience from the field or during testing with specific hydraulic fluids and assist in laboratory or field testing. My team’s in-depth knowledge and experience allows us to make a very good assessment of the system under the given conditions.

TLT: What is the one thing you wish you would have learned earlier in your career?
Websky: Look at setbacks not as setbacks, but as lessons learned. From every setback, no matter how bitter, you can learn something positive. This attitude will give you a completely different perspective on the way you work and turn what can be a frustrating part of the job into a constructive and perhaps even fun part.

You can reach Galina Websky at galina.websky@danfoss.com.