Women in Engineering | Interview with Dr. Teresa Donateo—Editorial Board Member of Vehicles

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 were sincerely honored to interview Dr. Teresa Donateo, Editorial Board Member of Vehicles (ISSN: 2624-8921).

Dr. Teresa Donateo has been an associate professor of fluid machinery, energy systems, and power generation at the University of Salento since 2014, teaching courses on fluid machinery and hybrid-electric powertrains. She received her master’s degree in materials engineering from the Università degli Studi di Lecce in 1999, and her Ph.D. in combustion and energy conversion in 2003 from ISUFI. She joined the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Salento as an assistant professor in 2001 and has been involved in quality assurance processes at the University of Salento since 2018. She was also a member of the Group of Evaluation Experts (GEV) involved in the Italian Evaluation of Research Quality 2015-2019 (VQR). She has collaborated with Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, since 2005; with the University of Brest, Brest, France, since 2019; and with major automotive and aircraft industrial partners since 2001. As well as having been Editor of the book Hybrid Electric Vehicles by In-Tech, she also acts as Associate Editor for the SAE International Journal of Engines, Nature, Scientific Reports, and MDPI’s Vehicles. She is an honorary member of SARES/the International Sustainable Aviation and Energy Research Society. Furthermore, she is the author of more than 100 papers on the simulation, design, and optimization of internal combustion engines, fuel cells, electric and hybrid-electric powertrains for aircraft, heavy-duty vehicles, and passenger cars.

The following is an interview with Dr. Teresa Donateo:

1. What key experiences or inspirations led you to dedicate your career to engineering research, and how do you sustain that passion in your work?
I have been a problem-solving-oriented person since childhood and have always been very curious about how things work. For example, I used to take apart talking dolls, and I grew up watching my grandfather and father working as carpenters with great admiration.
The desire to solve new industrial problems continues to drive my research today. Throughout my career, I have shifted my research interests several times, consistently choosing applied research over theoretical approaches in order to follow my curiosity and personal inclinations.

2. Was there anyone, perhaps a role model, who was decisive in your choice to study engineering?
Until the last years of high school, I had no contact with engineers in my life. Then, I met my cousin’s fiancé, who was about to graduate in mechanical engineering. He spent a summer with my family, and I was fascinated by the stories of his studies and early professional experiences.
Another cousin also played a fundamental role, though in the opposite way. When I asked him for information about the degree programs at the university he attended, he gave me the student handbook—but tore out the pages related to engineering, saying that, as a woman, I couldn’t possibly be interested in them. That moment sparked in me a strong desire to challenge that mindset and confirmed my decision to enroll in engineering school.

3. From your observation, what are the most significant systemic barriers that female researchers face in your field?
In my experience, women in engineering still encounter significant systemic barriers, both within professional environments and society at large. One of the most persistent challenges is the difficulty of being fully recognized for their expertise and contributions, especially in industrial contexts and academic circles. This lack of recognition is often more evident when interacting with older generations, who may hold outdated perceptions of gender roles in technical fields. It is not uncommon for women to be dismissed or underestimated, particularly when their authority as engineers is questioned or overlooked. Even being addressed appropriately—i.e., referred to as “engineer”—can be a struggle in some contexts, reflecting deeper issues of respect and acknowledgment. These experiences differ markedly from those of male colleagues, who generally do not face the same kind of implicit bias or the need to constantly prove their competence.

4. 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 unique set of strengths to academic research, shaped by their life experiences and the challenges they routinely navigate. One particularly valuable strength is the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, a skill frequently sharpened through balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments, such as motherhood. This capacity for multitasking, adaptability, and long-term planning can be especially useful in academia, where researchers must juggle diverse activities: securing funding, mentoring students, teaching, publishing, and conducting complex, often collaborative research.

5. Could you share a specific example from your research projects where gender diversity directly contributed to innovative problem-solving or unexpected breakthroughs?
A particularly meaningful example from my career involves my early research on the design of diesel engine combustion chambers in 2001–2004. I applied a multi-objective optimization approach, which was quite innovative at the time, in place of the more traditional single-objective strategies. I believe that this shift in perspective was influenced by my own training in multitasking and problem-solving—skills often developed through managing multiple roles and responsibilities. Rather than focusing on a singular outcome, I was inclined to consider a broader range of performance criteria and constraints simultaneously, leading to a more robust and effective solution. This mindset allowed me to explore trade-offs and synergies between different objectives, such as emissions reduction, efficiency, and thermal performance. While it's difficult to attribute innovation solely to gender, I do believe that diverse experiences—particularly those that challenge conventional structures—can inspire alternative ways of thinking.

6. What made you feel recognized and welcomed at work?
One of the most meaningful forms of recognition I’ve experienced at work is when students express gratitude for the insights and support I’ve provided, whether in class or during thesis supervision. When former students tell me that something they learned in my course helped them succeed in their careers, it affirms the impact of my work and reinforces my sense of purpose. Beyond personal satisfaction, it’s a sign that my contributions are meaningful and lasting. Another important factor is being addressed appropriately and respectfully in professional settings—for instance, being referred to as “engineer”. It may seem like a small detail, but for women in technical fields, such formal recognition can go a long way in affirming their legitimacy and authority.

7. Based on your experience, what strategic career planning approaches and skill-building priorities would you recommend to early-career female researchers in engineering?
For early-career female researchers in engineering, one key recommendation I would make is to engage in hands-on, experimental work in the initial stages of their careers. This approach provides a tangible sense of achievement and builds technical credibility in environments that often question women’s abilities in practical tasks. Experimental research allows for direct engagement with the physical aspects of engineering and can help establish a strong professional identity. At the same time, it is equally important to remain open to evolving interests. I encourage young researchers not to be afraid of changing topics or expanding into new areas as their scientific curiosity develops. Flexibility and interdisciplinary thinking are powerful assets in today’s research landscape.

8. What concrete actions could academic publishers like MDPI take to better support and amplify the work of women in STEM fields?
Academic publishers such as MDPI have a powerful platform to promote inclusivity and support women in STEM. One concrete action would be the creation of dedicated networks or thematic communities for women working on similar research topics. These networks could facilitate collaboration not only on Special Issues or editorial projects, but also on larger, interdisciplinary research initiatives. By connecting women researchers across institutions and countries, such networks would foster the exchange of ideas, mentorship, and strategic alliances that could elevate both individual and collective impact.
I also strongly support initiatives like those organized by MDPI for International Women in Engineering Day. These events provide a valuable platform to showcase achievements, raise awareness about ongoing challenges, and celebrate diversity in science.