Engineering careers are often shaped by the people who inspire us early in life. For some researchers, those influences help build the confidence to pursue science and tackle complex technical challenges.
As part of our Women in Engineering series, we spoke with Pranali Jadhav, a researcher from MEAB working on chemical separation processes in the HARMONY project. Her work focuses on recovering and purifying elements needed to produce permanent magnets used in many modern technologies.
Pranali shares what inspired her to pursue engineering, what motivates her work in the laboratory, and what advice she would give to young women considering a career in STEM.
Profile
Name: Pranali Jadhav
Role: Researcher
Organisation: MEAB
Country: Germany
Field: Chemical separation and magnet recycling
Education: MSc. Metallurgical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranali-jadhav-95331a147/
Finding a path into engineering
Pranali’s interest in engineering was shaped early by strong female role models in her family.
What first sparked your interest in science or engineering when you were younger?
“My elder sister. She was always at the top of her class and was the only woman in her class masters in IIT, Madras.”
Seeing her sister succeed in a demanding academic environment helped Pranali imagine a similar path for herself.
Her mother also played an important role in building her confidence during those early years.
“Ever since I was in school, my mother read me newspaper articles where women in STEM wrote about science and how they broke barriers and continued their education.”
Those stories left a lasting impression.
“This really put a lot of confidence in me during my formative years.”
From studies to engineering research
Pranali’s academic journey took her across continents. She completed her bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering in India before taking the big step of moving to Germany to pursue her master’s degree. Studying abroad meant adapting to a new academic environment, culture, and language, but it also opened the door to international research opportunities. Today, she continues to build her career in Germany, working as a process engineer and contributing to magnet recycling research within the HARMONY project.
What skills or experiences from your education helped you most in your current work?
“Researching and always asking questions. It helped me to take a deep dive into the work and understand it deeply.”
What kind of work do you do in your position? How does a typical day look for you?
“To boil it down, I work as a researcher. My work includes reading through literature, preparing procedures and working on the experiments in the laboratory. I then analyse the results, and compile my findings. On most days, I have to go through this ordeal but it is after months when you realise that the result you were hunting for all this while is just around the corner, there is no better feeling.”
Contributing to magnet recycling and circular technologies
What does your work in HARMONY focus on, and why is it important?
“Purification and separation. To deliver separated chemical elements to our partner so that they can produce pure Nd which can be used by the further partners. It basically helps in separating elements which cause a hinderance to magnet production down the process.”
What is one achievement in your career that you are particularly proud of?
“We had a tough time with Ce in high concentration which was not anticipated during the initial phase of the project. However with consistent efforts and assistance from my manager really helped me achieve good results for Ce separation.”
“What excites me most about contributing to research on permanent magnetA permanent magnet i… More recycling is the fact that the theoretical work actually shows results when done correctly keeps me motivated to deliver!”
Women in engineering
Pranali sees her work in STEM not only as a career, but also as a way to inspire others.
“What I enjoy the most about being a woman working in science and engineering is the fact that I can inspire women like myself, who come from marginalized communities. Women, who done not let themselves be limited by obstacles and choose to prioritize themselves and their education.”
What skills or mindsets do you think will be most important for the next generation of women engineers?
“Assertiveness. I have seen women in STEM, even in positions of power, second-guess themselves. I believe assertiveness is something that should especially be considered by women.”
Advice for future engineers
About the series
This interview is part of the HARMONY Women in Engineering series, highlighting the diverse women working across Europe to advance magnet recycling and circular technologies.
Read more interviews:
Women in Engineering: Gabriela Sarriegui on materials research and magnet recycling
Women in Engineering: Simonetta Cota on design, creativity, and circular engineering
Women in Engineering: Ana Drmota Petrič on developing recycled magnets for industry
Women in Engineering: Aurélie Villemur on materials engineering and electric motors
Women in Engineering: Giulia Cortina on sustainability and life cycle assessment
Women in Engineering: Valentina Zhukova on magnetic materials and long careers in research