Bridging industry and inspiration
By Christelle Chretien | TLT Volunteer's Voice December 2025
I’d like to share my journey as a TLT technical editor with STLE.
Serving as a TLT technical editor has been one of the most enriching experiences of my professional journey, complementing my commitment to STLE. This dual role has allowed me to engage with the tribology community in diverse and meaningful ways, from participating in annual and local meetings to contributing to the advancement of knowledge through editorial work.
My involvement with STLE has spanned various events, including annual meetings, local gatherings with the STLE Philadelphia Section, and the STLE Tribology & Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference. Each of these experiences has provided unique insights into the evolving challenges and innovations within our industry. Engaging with peers at these events has not only broadened my technical knowledge but also deepened my appreciation for the collaborative spirit that drives progress in tribology and lubrication engineering.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a TLT technical editor is the opportunity to propose and develop topics that address current industry challenges. When considering potential articles, I reflect on the pressing issues we face today and seek to inspire solutions through shared knowledge. For instance, the idea for the “How Innovation in Motorsport Oil Can Benefit Conventional Oils” Special Report, published in April 2025,1 emerged from my interest in understanding how extreme conditions and cutting-edge technologies in motorsports could influence the development of lubricants for electric vehicles (EVs). The harsh environments encountered in motorsport applications often mirror the demands placed on EV components, making this a fertile area for cross-industry learning. To successfully develop this article, I conducted extensive research and reached out to my professional network, ultimately connecting experts who contributed valuable perspectives. Witnessing these connections around a shared topic was incredibly rewarding and underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing our field.
Another article I proposed, titled “Tribology on the dance floor,” was inspired by a personal reflection on my journey learning about friction.2 During my time at Chevron Oronite, I received training that delved into the complexities of clutches and friction coefficients. Grasping the nuances of static and dynamic friction was initially challenging, but as a ballet dancer, I realized that these concepts were constantly at play in my dance practice. The interplay between static and dynamic friction is fundamental to movement and balance on the dance floor, providing a tangible, real-world context for these technical principles. I shared this idea with Rachel Fowler, STLE director of external communications, during an STLE event, and she was so enthusiastic about the concept that she encouraged me to develop it into an article. The piece was subsequently published in the December 2024 issue of TLT, and I was thrilled to see my networks in lubrication and ballet come together in such a creative way. The openness of STLE to explore unconventional topics like this demonstrates the organization’s commitment to fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Reflecting on my experiences, I am continually energized by my involvement with STLE. The organization’s support for diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches has not only enhanced my professional growth but also allowed me to contribute to the broader community in meaningful ways. I look forward to embracing new opportunities, proposing fresh ideas and continuing to connect people and concepts across industries. My journey as a TLT technical editor has shown me that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and that by sharing our unique experiences, we can collectively advance our understanding and application of tribology for the benefit of all.
REFERENCES
1. www.stle.org/motorsport
2. www.stle.org/files/TLTArchives/2024/12_December/Feature.aspx
Christelle Chretien is global lubricant R&D leader and lab manager at Syensqo. You can reach her at christelle.chretien@syensqo.com.