At Stahl, our purpose is to touch lives for a better world – and in order to do that, we need to harness all possible talent.
Therefore, we proudly honour and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and girls who are shaping the future of science. Their contributions continue to break barriers, drive innovation, and inspire future generations of thinkers, creators, and pioneers.
At Stahl we believe that celebrating International Women and Girls in Science Day is crucial to recognizing the important contributions of women in the field and encouraging more girls to pursue careers in science. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women in science thrive, leading with passion and purpose.
Let's keep pushing boundaries and building a future where every girl has the opportunity to follow her scientific dreams.
In this blog we shine the spotlight on two incredible women from the Stahl team: Anna Querol and Lily Ding.
We sat down with both of them to talk about their experience, challenges, and advice for anyone looking to break into the world of science.
Personal Introduction
Anna: I am from Spain. Born in1999, I belong to Generation Z. I hold a degree in Chemistry, and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Organic Chemistry. I work as a Chemist Application Technician in the Performance Coatings department at Stahl, located in Parets del Vallès, Spain. My role involves working on various projects related to Performance Coatings, focusing on testing and supporting the development of new innovative solutions to meet industry demands.
Lily: I am from China, graduated from Hebei University of Science & Technology, major Light Engineering. I joined Stahl Suzhou in October 2017, and I spent 6 years as an application engineer and 1 year as a Business Developer in Performance Coatings Coated Fabrics department.
Location Department & Gender Balance in Sciences,
Anna: When I pursued my degree in Chemistry, the gender distribution in my class was relatively balanced, with a slight majority of women, a trend that is becoming more common in scientific fields. In my department, the gender balance between men and women is equal.
Lily: In my chemicals study class, the data on gender distribution was quite revealing. There was a total of 30 students, with 18 male students and 12 female students. This translated to a male - female ratio of 3:2.
In my department, the overall statistics showed a more significant gender gap. The male - female ratio is 3:1. Being in a department with fewer women has had both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, it has pushed me to be more assertive in my ideas. I have often found myself in situations where I need to clearly articulate my thoughts to stand out in a predominantly male - dominated discussion. This has helped me develop strong communication and presentation skills.
However, there have been times when I felt isolated. For example, during some informal gatherings or discussions, there were topics that seemed more tailored towards the male students' interests, and it was a bit challenging to find a common ground.
Career and Inspiration
Anna: Interestingly, I wasn’t initially drawn to chemistry. However, everything changed when I had a new teacher at school whose passion and unique approach to teaching made all the difference. He had an incredible ability to explain complex concepts in an engaging and relatable way, sparking my curiosity and helping me truly understand the subject. Thanks to her inspiring guidance, I discovered a genuine interest in chemistry that has continued to grow, shaping my academic and professional journey.
If I had to encourage young children to choose a career in science, I would highlight the excitement of discovering new things and the importance of understanding why things happen. Science helps us find solutions to real-world problems and can make significant impact on the future.
At Stahl, I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues who inspire me every day. Among them, my mentor has played an especially influential role in my professional development. Her continuous support has been invaluable, helping me strengthen and refine my skills to grow in my role. Whenever I face challenges or express an interest in deepening my knowledge on a specific topic, they are always ready with practical advice, solutions, or even suggest courses that align with my learning goals.
I haven't had a specific scientific role model from history. Instead, my inspiration has come from the people around me; mentors, colleagues, and educators who have influenced my journey through their passion, dedication, and support. Their guidance has been the force behind my growth in science.
Lily: As a child, I was always fascinated by nature. I used to collect rocks and observe how different substances reacted when I mixed them with water. One memorable experience was when I accidentally dropped a piece of iron into a solution of vinegar. I was amazed to see the bubbles forming and the iron gradually changing colour. This simple experiment sparked my curiosity about chemical reactions. This early fascination led me to pursue a career in chemistry.
I have a niece who is currently in middle school, and I often encourage her to explore science. I share stories of my own experiences and the exciting discoveries I've been a part of. I also introduce her to various scientific fields, from chemistry to astronomy, to show her the vast possibilities. I believe it's important to provide young girls with role models and opportunities to see themselves in scientific careers. I tell her that science is not just about formulas and experiments, but about asking questions, solving problems, and making a difference in the world.
In Stahl, our business manager has been an incredible ally and role model. He has always supported my ideas, provided constructive feedback, and encouraged me to take on challenging projects. He has also been a strong advocate for gender equality in the workplace, ensuring that all team members have equal opportunities to contribute and grow.
If I could be the right-hand person of any scientist from history, it would be Tu Youyou, the renowned Chinese scientist who discovered artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial drug. Her groundbreaking work in traditional Chinese medicine Her discovery of artemisinin has saved millions of lives worldwide. Working alongside her would be an incredible opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds in science and to contribute to a legacy of groundbreaking discoveries.
Science at Stahl
Anna: In my opinion, one of the most significant scientific advancements at Stahl has been the development of sustainable chemistry solutions. Innovations that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance are crucial in today’s industry. Additionally, Stahl holds several patents that reflect its commitment to pioneering new technologies and driving progress in sustainable chemistry.
In the application laboratory, we use a variety of application technologies to test and develop different formulations. What’s exciting is how we adapt these tools to meet specific requirements. The most rewarding part is formulating systems that fit a specific need, making the process both challenging and inspiring.
Lily: In my opinion, Stahl Stay Clean® technology is the most significant scientific discovery. It is an anti - soiling, stain - resistant, anti - marking and scratch - resistant coating technology. It can add a robust protective layer to leather and synthetic materials to prevent stains and dyes from penetrating the substrate. Stahl Stay Clean® products have more comfortable and durable seats and interior coatings. It features a matte finish that is long - lasting, warm - feeling and offers a pleasant touch, greatly extending the service life of the interior.
AI technology is of great help to chemical scientific research, like Kimi AI app. It can quickly process spectral data and high-throughput experimental data in chemical research and find out the patterns therein. Otherwise, AI also can predict the outcome of chemical reactions. By learning from a vast database of known reactions, including reactants, reaction conditions (such as temperature, pressure, and catalysts), it can forecast whether a reaction will occur, what products will be formed, and in what yields. This helps chemists plan experiments more efficiently, saving time and resources by avoiding unpromising reaction pathways.
---------------
Thank you both for sharing ! Your stories highlight the diverse paths that lead to a career in science and the importance of passion, mentorship, and perseverance.
Diversity is critical to our success as a company. Read more about our vision of diversity for creativity and innovation.
Interested in joining the Stahl team? Apply here.
