Announcements

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), observed annually on 23 June, is a global initiative that celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in engineering while inspiring more young women to pursue engineering careers. This year, under the theme “Together We Engineer”,  we are sincerely honored to interview the Guest Editor of Processes (ISSN: 2227-9717), Dr. Yong Wei Tiong.

1. Could you share the story of your journey into engineering?
My journey began in biosciences, where I initially focused on bio-catalysis and microbial systems for sustainable energy. Over time, I was drawn to the challenge of applying biological knowledge to solve engineering problems, particularly in the development of bioreactor systems, process optimization, and gas fermentation technologies. My transition into engineering-focused research came naturally as I started working on pilot-scale anaerobic digestion and CO₂ gas fermentation projects. These roles demanded an understanding of fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and process integration—skills typically rooted in chemical and environmental engineering. I’ve come to appreciate the synergy between disciplines, and today, I see myself at the intersection of biology and engineering, applying both to advance sustainable biomanufacturing solutions.

2. What do you enjoy most about your work as an engineer? What made you feel recognized and welcomed in your workplace?
What I enjoy most is the ability to translate fundamental science into practical solutions; for instance, developing microbial fermentation systems that contribute to decarbonization goals is both intellectually stimulating and deeply meaningful. I also appreciate the collaborative environment in which I work, where engineers and scientists contribute equally. Being recognized for bridging biosciences and engineering, especially through my contributions to bioprocess development and reactor integration, has made me feel valued. At A*STAR, I’ve found that being part of an interdisciplinary team has empowered me to innovate and feel welcomed as both a scientist and a systems thinker.

3. What key experiences or inspirations led you to dedicate your career to engineering research, and how do you sustain that passion in your work?
A defining experience was leading a project that scaled up anaerobic digestion from lab to field scale. It gave me firsthand insight into how engineering design and microbial science must align for success. Another pivotal moment was working on CO₂ gas fermentation to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), where computational fluid dynamic simulations and kinetic models brought clarity to complex biological interactions. These experiences inspired me to pursue engineering research that supports climate solutions. I sustain my passion by staying close to the purpose, contributing to carbon-negative technologies, and mentoring junior researchers, which reminds me of how impactful this work can be.

4. From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges female researchers face in your field?
One major challenge is the underrepresentation of women in engineering leadership roles, which can affect mentorship opportunities and visibility. In applied bioprocessing fields, women often need to work harder to gain credibility, especially in pilot-scale or industrial collaborations. There’s also a subtle bias that sometimes assumes women are more suited for lab-based work than systems integration or reactor design. Overcoming these challenges requires strong institutional support and a cultural shift that values diverse leadership styles and cross-disciplinary expertise.

5. What distinctive strengths do female engineers bring to academic research, and what strategies would you recommend for leveraging these advantages in career development?
Female engineers often bring a collaborative, systems-oriented mindset that’s well-suited for complex interdisciplinary problems. They tend to approach problem-solving holistically and with strong communication skills, qualities essential for cross-functional research. I would recommend that early-career female researchers cultivate visibility through publications, conferences, and collaborative networks. Mentorship, both receiving and providing it, is another powerful strategy for growth. Leveraging strengths in empathy and organization can also be key to building inclusive and effective research teams.

6. Could you share a specific example from your research projects where gender diversity directly contributed to innovative problem-solving or unexpected breakthroughs?
I worked in a multidisciplinary team of women and men spanning applied bioprocessing, chemical engineering, and systems modeling. This diversity fostered open dialog, creative problem-solving, and inclusive design thinking. As the lead postdoctoral researcher on a pilot-scale anaerobic digestion project, I collaborated with engineers, operators, and industry partners to implement decentralized food waste treatment in real-world settings. The gender-diverse team enabled broader perspectives, especially in aligning technical solutions with stakeholder needs, resulting in a more adaptable and socially grounded engineering outcome. These experiences highlight how gender diversity directly enhances innovation and impacts research.

7. Based on your experience, what strategic career planning approaches and skill-building priorities would you recommend to early-career female researchers in engineering?
First, identify your niche by combining your scientific strengths with real-world challenges, such as sustainability or process innovation. Seek interdisciplinary projects that broaden your technical and communication skills. I also recommend building competence in data interpretation, systems thinking, and modeling tools, which are increasingly important in engineering research. Mentorship, grant writing, and public speaking are essential soft skills that amplify your impact. Finally, don’t hesitate to advocate for your work and its value—it’s key to career growth.

8. What concrete actions could academic publishers like MDPI take to better support and amplify the work of women in STEM fields?
MDPI could highlight the achievements of women in STEM through Special Issues, invited editorials, and spotlight features. They can also ensure gender-balanced editorial boards and encourage female researchers to serve as reviewers or Guest Editors. Providing mentorship or training for early-career women scientists on publishing and peer review processes would also empower more equitable participation. Transparency in authorship contributions and promoting interdisciplinary, female-led research can help amplify visibility and recognition.