Engineering does not always begin with equations or laboratory experiments. Sometimes it starts with curiosity, creativity, and a desire to understand how everyday objects work.
As part of our Women in Engineering series, we spoke with Simonetta Cota, Strategic Development and Innovation Specialist at Erion. In the HARMONY project, she works on connecting product design, waste streams and recycling systems to support better recovery of critical raw materials.
Simonetta shares how creativity led her into engineering, how design thinking contributes to circular technologies, and why diverse perspectives are essential for solving complex sustainability challenges.
Profile
Name: Simonetta Cota
Role: Strategic Development & Innovation Specialist
Organisation: Erion
Country: Italy
Field: Circular design, product systems, critical raw materials
Education: MSc Design & Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Finding a path into engineering
What first sparked your interest in science or engineering when you were younger?
“When I was a child, I was very curious about objects. I kept wondering how they worked and how I could build them. I spent a lot of time drawing cartoon characters, and little by little school introduced me to technical drawing.”
“In my last year of high school, I was asked to draw the orthogonal projection of a pencil sharpener. I drew it freehand without rulers, set squares or a compass. That was my first real moment of realizing I could see myself pursuing a STEM path.”
What was one key challenge you faced on your way into STEM?
“One key challenge for me was learning how to channel my creativity and artistic mindset into scientific applications. Instead of suppressing my creative side, I tried to use it as a resource, an extra lens for problem-solving and innovation.”
Over time, she realised that the combination of creativity and engineering could become a strength.
“My colleagues often describe me as ‘genius and madness,’ and I take that as a sign I’ve found a way to make both sides work together.”
From studies to engineering research
Like many students, Simonetta’s academic journey was not entirely straightforward.
“After high school I went through a period of real confusion, who doesn’t? My goal was simply to start an academic path, not a fully convinced choice.”
One of the options Siomonetta initially considered was Environmental and Land Engineering, driven by her interest in sustainability and understanding what happens to products after their use phase.
However, the turning point came during her studies at the University of Bologna.
“A mechanical drawing professor looked at one of my plates and said: ‘Have you ever thought about switching to mechanical engineering? We need more female students like you!’”
That comment helped her recognise she needed to change direction.
“Changing direction wasn’t easy, and I also had to help my family understand why I needed to pivot. But they supported me and helped me re-center.”
She eventually graduated with top marks in Industrial Product Design, confirming that the combination of creativity and engineering was the right path.
Contributing to magnet recycling and circular technologies
“I became involved in the HARMONY project thanks to my background in products, design processes and material selection. It’s important for the design community to fully understand what happens to products and materials after their use phase, and how end-of-life realities should inform better design choices.”
Simonetta’s work focuses on identifying ways to improve the recovery of critical raw materials from electronic waste.
“In HARMONY, my team monitors the evolving legislative landscape and explores the most promising waste streams for recovering critical raw materials, such as neodymium from permanent magnets. We also work on understanding how to optimize recovery processes and identify strategic levers to upgrade the treatment and end-of-life management of electronic waste.”
What is one achievement in HARMONY that you are particularly proud of?
“One achievement I’m particularly proud of is helping bring a strong ‘design-to-end-of-life’ perspective into the project.” “It means translating end-of-life constraints into practical feedback for designers and engineers, so circularity isn’t just a principle on paper, but something that can realistically work at scale.”
Women in engineering
For Simonetta, working in engineering also means bringing perspectives that are still underrepresented in technical environments.
What do you enjoy most about being a woman in science and engineering?
“What I enjoy most is bringing a perspective that is still too rare in many technical spaces, especially a mix of creativity, empathy, and a different way of approaching problems.”
“Being a woman in STEM gives me the chance to make it easier for others to picture themselves there, and to help build teams and environments where diverse approaches are genuinely valued.”
She also challenges a common misconception about STEM careers.
“A common misconception is that STEM careers are only for people who are ‘purely logical’ and not creative. In reality, creativity is a huge part of STEM.”
For her, engineering is fundamentally about imagination and problem-solving.
“STEM isn’t about fitting into one stereotype; it’s about learning how to use your own strengths, even artistic ones, to solve real problems.”
Advice for future engineers
Looking back at her own path, Simonetta would give her younger self one important piece of advice.
“Don’t be afraid to change direction sooner, and don’t mistake confusion for failure. Pay attention to what energizes you, build a solid method and discipline, and trust that you can learn what you don’t yet know. Your creativity isn’t a distraction, it’s a strength. Protect it and use it.”
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: Pranali Jadhav on international careers and process 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