Share:
Share:
Bioengineering is advancing at a pace that demands more than technical competence. It requires engineers who can adapt, question and design with intention. In this Coffee Chat, Ali Al Abdullatif, a Biomedical Engineering Fellow at Open Avenues offers a clear-eyed look at the habits and decision-making skills that help engineers stay relevant in a constantly shifting STEM environment.
Ali shares why a genuine growth mindset matters, how engineers can “right-size” solutions instead of defaulting to the flashiest technology and what he learned from real-world prosthetics work about designing tools people will use. He also breaks down the emerging trends shaping the field particularly the expanding role of AI and explains why AI literacy must be paired with scientific reasoning and not used as a shortcut.
Finally, Ali gives a behind-the-scenes look at how he mentors students through Build Projects by helping them define realistic project scopes to strengthen independent problem-solving. This article provides a practical sense of how to think, plan and build like engineers who can thrive in a fast-moving world.
A: I think it is critical to have a genuine growth mindset. Bioengineers, and researchers in general, should have the willingness to learn constantly and to question assumptions without the fear of being wrong. Progress in this field has never come from getting everything right; it comes from being open and honest with yourself and with the people you work with about what’s working, what isn’t, and what you still need to understand. Another critical skill is the ability to right-size solutions. Not every problem needs a moonshot, and not every project should be solved with the flashiest technology. Being able to design something that’s appropriate for the constraints of the moment while still keeping an eye on future possibilities is becoming more important than ever. The balance between practicality and vision is what sets strong bioengineers apart. I learned this lesson firsthand during my years working on prosthetics: it doesn’t matter how advanced your technology is, whether it uses cutting-edge EMG motion-prediction algorithms, haptic feedback, sophisticated sensors, revolutionary materials, or articulated with nanomotors that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If the device is less intuitive and user-friendly than a traditional body operated hook, end users will quickly abandon it and return to prosthetics designed decades ago.
A: First and foremost, technical skills should never be underestimated. Delivering consistent, thoughtful work builds credibility and creates opportunities to explore and be recognized for additional strengths. Another critical capability to develop early in your career is the ability to identify and solve problems. Spotting the right questions before they become issues, and optimizing practical, achievable solutions, is one of the most valuable uses of your time and energy. Leadership opportunities exist at every level. Mastery of your immediate skill set and domain not only elevates your current work but also opens doors to new interests and possibilities as your career evolves.
A: My primary goal leading build projects is to create an environment that empowers students to design and execute projects aligned with their career objectives. Much like the challenges they’ll encounter in their future roles, students’ ambitions, and their understanding of their own time and skill sets, will ultimately shape the depth and quality of their final deliverables. As a project lead, I aim to provide the tools and support necessary to foster genuine independence while serving as a sounding board for thoughtful problem-solving. Early in the project, I encourage students to think independently and identify their areas of interest. While the tools we use remain consistent, the subject matter can vary based on the topics they personally gravitate toward. I also guide them to explore relevant papers, literature, and datasets that capture their curiosity. Once they have learned the project fundamentals, I challenge them to formulate questions around their chosen topic and the data they’ve collected. The goal is to foster their passion and independence, empowering them to define the scope of their own project. My hope is that students who set a high bar for themselves feel inspired and motivated to rise to their own expectations.
A: The obvious answer is AI. Artificial intelligence has rapidly become the buzzword of every industry, especially in biotechnology and medical device spaces. The next generation of biomedical engineers will be expected to be fluent in AI concepts and tools. That said, I expect AI to remain most powerful in the hands of those who understand how to guide and interrogate it. Over-reliance on opaque, black-box systems risks slowing the scientific growth of many junior engineers and researchers. True impact will come from those who pair AI literacy with critical reasoning and a solid understanding of the underlying science.
A: I try to set goals that stretch my abilities but are still grounded in a clear understanding of my current skill set and available time. A big part of that is doing honest problem identification up front and asking what the real constraints are, what success would actually look like, and where one might hit roadblocks. From there, break the work into pieces that are achievable, but with enough flexibility to explore. Ambition comes from wanting to expand capabilities; realism comes from recognizing that thoughtful, consistent technical work ultimately produces the best outcomes.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Ali’s reflections make it clear that succeeding in biomedical engineering isn’t about chasing every new technology it’s about building the judgment to know when innovation adds value and when simplicity leads to better outcomes. His experiences illustrate how even advanced systems fail without usability and his emphasis on identifying the right problems early reinforces how much thoughtful engineering relies on clarity, not complexity.
Across his advice whether discussing AI, project leadership, or goal setting Ali highlights a consistent theme, strong engineers pair ambition with realism. They stay curious, but they ground themselves in honest evaluation of their skills, constraints and responsibilities. His mentorship approach mirrors this balance. By guiding students to explore topics that genuinely interest them while challenging them to ask meaningful questions and structure their work responsibly, he helps them develop independence and professional judgment.
For students preparing to enter biomedical engineering or adjacent STEM paths, Ali’s guidance serves as a concrete roadmap. It shows how to evolve alongside the field, build credibility through solid technical work and approach complexity with confidence rather than overwhelm.
Danila Blanco Travnicek is the Director of Program Strategy & Evaluation at The Build Fellowship where she leads the education programming and its initiatives. She is a social entrepreneur who has been working tirelessly for over 10 years in the nonprofit sector to ensure more people have access to quality education. Danila holds a B.A in Business Management and a master's degree in Teaching and Nonprofit Management. She is a Professor at the University of Buenos Aires, an international speaker and facilitator and has managed and led programs with social impact in Latin America, U.S., Europe and Asia. She also received scholarships to study abroad in Finland, China and the United States.
Mazvita Maboreke is a Human Resources Analyst at Open Avenues Foundation. In her role, she leads initiatives that foster team development, professional growth, and a positive organizational culture. She focuses on designing and implementing programs around training, onboarding, team-building, and employee recognition—helping to cultivate a workplace that is both supportive and high-performing.
Stay updated on all things Open Avenues!
