Elena Ferramola has a master's degree in physics, specializing in condensed matter. Her collaboration with Bologna, Italy-based Varvel SpA began in 2009 with a 2-year R&D project intended to define alternative solutions to traditional lubricants. In so doing she developed an expertise in polymers for metal replacement, and tribological and mechanical solutions for gear materials issues. Ferramola's collaboration continues today in research and development, where she focuses on with new products feasibility studies and continues her research for innovative tribological solutions.