What is your name and occupation?
My name is Aileen Huang-Saad, PhD., MBA and I am the Director of Life Sciences, Health, and Engineering and an Associate Professor in Bioengineering at Northeastern’s Roux Institute in Portland, Maine.
What are you known for now, and what would you like to be known for in the future?
As an academic, I am known for my teaching in biomedical engineering design and entrepreneurship and my research in engineering education. I am passionate about transforming higher education and look to close the gap between higher education and professional practice through experiential learning. Since coming to Maine, I have spent a lot of my time putting my academic experience into practice, working with partners across the state to build a stronger life sciences ecosystem to drive economic development.
In the future, I want to be known for being a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) advocate and a change agent for higher education. I believe we need to support all learners in gaining access to STEM education and make sure that they know that STEM is for All. There are opportunities for people to engage in STEM at all ages and all degree levels. Finally, it is my personal passion to make sure that we encourage and empower all STEM learners to learn how to advocate for STEM literacy, ensuring that decisions are evidence based as we make global decisions.
What advice would you offer to someone new to Maine hoping to build a life here?
I want people to know that Maine is a place of opportunity. We are at a critical point in history and economic development. Maine can be a model for how to engage a statewide STEM network in economic development. The community is well positioned for collaboration across disciplines and sectors, which will bring about unique innovations. There is a lot of work to be done and plenty of ways to get involved in work that will have long lasting impact.
Maine is known for its work ethic. Do you think that living in such a rural state has shaped the way you approach your career and your goals?
Absolutely, the rurality of Maine is what makes it so special and inspires me in my work every day. There is a such a commitment to community that seems to have been lost in other places. That passion makes the work we do here so inspiring. As the world becomes more complicated and technology continues to change at a rapid pace, we need to make sure that all our communities can engage in the changes and gain from its benefits. This is why I am so passionate about my work at the Roux. I believe the work we are doing here has the potential to not only impact Maine, but the country as well, as we seek to find new ways to ensure that all communities benefit from economic development driven by innovation.
Maine is full of strong, independent women—how do you feel connected to the women around you here, whether it’s in your community or your workplace?
While I have had the benefit of working with strong, independent women throughout my career, I continue to be amazed at the number of women leaders in Maine, from academics to industry to government. What makes it even better is how accessible everyone is. You are no more than 1 or 2 degrees of separation from everyone, and they are all willing to help. I am grateful that I can reach out to people in the community and know that if one person does not know the answer, they will connect me with someone who does.
If there is one thing you could change or improve for women in the workforce in Maine, what would it be, and why?
Access to childcare and eldercare continues to be a problem for women and families in Maine and nationally. We must find a way to support workers with dependable and continuous care options -recognizing the challenges of transportation and the vast geographic footprint of the state.
What advice would you give to young women growing up here in Maine who are dreaming of building careers, perhaps in industries where women are underrepresented?
When people think about careers today, I think it’s important to recognize that the jobs of today are likely to be very different than the jobs of tomorrow. This means you should be open minded about opportunities and challenge yourself to learn. Ask people questions about their work, learn what they do, what their day looks like, what skills help them succeed? Do not be afraid to ask for help and do not let people tell you what you cannot do. There is not one path to a career. Make your own path. Be your own author. Most importantly, recognize the fact that it will be important to be a lifelong learner in any career you choose.
Maine is a place of incredible beauty but also challenging winters. How do you stay motivated during the tough months—when the days are short, and the weather is harsh?
My number one motivator is exercise. I am a data fitness fanatic, and I love to walk my dog, rain or shine, in warm or cold weather! Regardless of season, the air is just cleaner in Maine for getting outside. At the same time, I am always looking for new indoor hobbies or renewing old ones – from crafts to playing the piano.
With so much focus on family and community in Maine, how do you manage the expectations that come with being a working woman in a small town or rural area?
I moved to Maine when my children were just moving out on their own, so I have not had the same demands on my day-to-day life that today’s mothers and fathers of young children have. I am learning to set boundaries for myself and those who I work with. Since COVID, I believe working and raising a family has gotten harder, especially in a more rural state where we have a labor shortage. I think it is important to recognize this and bring that understanding to the workplace. This includes being respectful of people’s personal time and offering flexibility in working with colleagues.
Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of? What’s the legacy you hope to leave for the next generation of women in Maine?
Looking back on my career, I am most proud of my ability to maintain a fulfilling career while ensuring that my family has always come first. As a partner in a dual career family, I often had to adjust to demands beyond my control for the betterment of the family as opposed to me as an individual. While it initially felt limiting, it in fact opened me up to opportunities that I never would have imagined were available and I believe my career and family are better because of those choices. I hope the next generation of women in Maine understand that our lives do not have to be linear or predetermined. I want women to know that they should stay true to their values and don’t see that as a constraint, but a way of identifying new opportunities.
