Michelle Marrone: Balancing innovation and motherhood

Working at Munters has allowed Michelle Marrone to combine two of her greatest interests - being a present mother and developing the best products from an environmental point of view.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

When it was time to choose a university degree, my parents wanted me to go into law or economics. I, on the other hand, was in love with biology and chemistry, and as time went by physics and polymers. However, my parents didn’t think I was cut out for what they saw as a lab-focused field. They wanted me to choose a more business-oriented degree, so I decided to study chemical engineering. The advantage of chemical engineering is that it offers a wide understanding of chemical and physical processes used in various industries worldwide. It can be applied to numerous fields and has a practical connection to production. 

What do you do at Munters and what do you enjoy most in your role?

I’m responsible for eco-design at Munters, which means that I look at the environmental impact of a product already in the design phase. For this, I apply the principles of lightweight construction, 3Rs (reduce, recycle, and recycle), and Life Cycle Analysis for measuring the carbon footprint of a product from cradle to grave. I also educate colleagues and customers on the importance of sustainable product development.

What I appreciate about Munters is that it is an extremely open and fair employer that offers a good work-life balance for women. Before joining Munters, I had a hard time combining work with being a single parent. I often missed time with my daughter and had to leave her in the care of other family members. Thanks to Munters, I can organize my work schedule to be present and engaged in my daughter’s life. 

What’s the best part of being an engineer?

Being an engineer is never boring. I have never worked on-site as a production engineer or process engineer. My work has been focused on R&D and business development of new products and technologies. This has allowed me to speak at conferences, write articles for scientific journals and attend expos as well as visit factories, chemical plants, research labs, and universities around the world.

What are you most proud of so far in your career? 

It is awesome when something you work on sees the light of day. I am especially proud of having developed recyclable packaging for juices and fruit purees with my previous R&D team. The packaging was the first of its kind and appears on the shelf in supermarkets and fast-food restaurants around the world today.

What advice would you give to girls/women who might be thinking about studying engineering/working as an engineer?

Working as an engineer commands respect, particularly because engineering is perceived as a challenging field, not just in an academic sense. It combines the rigorous demands of scientific principles with a perception of resilience and toughness akin to that of law enforcement or physical labor.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my nine-year-old daughter and discovering new places together. I value quality time with my friends and I am a heavy metal fan. I find happiness with my true love, Chris, and by connecting with nature, whether it's through hiking, biking, or simply appreciating the beauty of a blooming rose in my garden.