Mekka Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Anh Nguyen, the Associate Director of Software Development at Ascential Technologies, about her inspiring career in engineering. Anh holds a BSEE from UC San Diego and brings over 20 years of professional experience in web development, firmware, software engineering, and product development across commercial and medical life sciences sectors.
Anh’s engineering journey began as a web developer before transitioning to Sun Microsystems, where she specialized in test development and automation for Quality Engineering. She later spent nearly a decade at Oracle as a firmware engineer, contributing to cutting-edge product development for high-end servers. As the CTO of an X-ray inspection company, she led transformative advancements in software and hardware, utilizing machine learning and machine vision to revolutionize automated inspection and defect detection systems.
Today, Anh plays a pivotal role at Ascential Technologies, driving innovation within the Medical Life Sciences division. She manages key programs and collaborates with her software team to deliver streamlined, high-quality solutions. Additionally, Anh leads the Ascentialytics initiative, which leverages data management and analytics to provide actionable insights and enhanced services for customers.
What motivated you to pursue a career in engineering, particularly in the field of biomedical engineering?
Anh: “I’ve always been drawn to math and science, and from an early age, I knew I wanted a career where I could create and build things. Engineering was the perfect fit, allowing me to solve problems that directly impact people’s lives.
On a personal level, I’ve experienced medical challenges myself and witnessed loved ones facing their own health struggles. Knowing that my work contributes to solutions for diseases—whether it’s extending lives, speeding up treatments, or improving the quality of life—gives me a profound sense of purpose. As a mother, it’s even more meaningful to be involved in work that helps create a better future for the next generation.”
2. Can you share your journey to Ascential Technologies and what it’s like working on projects with the potential to cure cancer?
Anh: “My journey to Ascential Technologies began in a rather unexpected way—at my son’s birthday party! I struck up a conversation with the grandfather of one of his friends, who happened to work at Ascential. He told me about the fascinating engineering projects they were working on, and that conversation stuck with me. When I later saw a job opening at Ascential, I reached out and applied, and that’s how I became part of the team.
Working at Ascential has been incredibly fulfilling because we collaborate with medical device companies and startups to tackle critical challenges in healthcare. From developing devices that deliver faster diagnostic results to supporting innovations in personalized cancer treatments, it’s inspiring to know that our work has the potential to save lives. Being part of this journey is a daily reminder of the impact engineering can have on the world.”
As a woman in a male-dominated field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Anh: “Being a woman in engineering, I’ve faced the challenges of working in a male-dominated environment. There were times when my ideas weren’t taken seriously, and I had to work harder to be heard. To overcome these challenges, I’ve always made sure to show up well-prepared, with a deep understanding of the topics at hand, so I could speak confidently and assertively.
I’ve also relied on networks of support, like women’s engineering groups, and mentors who helped me navigate these challenges. At Ascential, I’ve had access to webinars and initiatives like Women in Manufacturing, which have provided valuable resources and helped me feel more empowered in the workplace.”
How has Ascential’s commitment to hiring more women in engineering influenced workplace culture and project outcomes?
Anh: “Ascential’s focus on hiring more women in engineering has positively impacted the workplace and project outcomes. It fosters a more inclusive environment, allowing diverse perspectives to come together and solve problems creatively. Personally, I feel recognized and valued here, knowing my voice is heard.
Through initiatives like Women in Manufacturing, we’ve created spaces for women across different roles to connect, share ideas, and support one another. This collaboration has strengthened our projects and enhanced the creativity we bring to problem-solving.”
What advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in engineering, especially in healthcare-related fields?
Anh: “My advice to young women is to start early and take full advantage of STEM opportunities. Build a strong foundation in math and science, join extracurricular activities like robotics or coding clubs, and seek out real-world experiences through internships or volunteering. The more exposure you get, the more confident you’ll become.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals and mentors who can guide you. It’s important to see women in the field, as it makes the journey feel less daunting and more inspiring. Women are making a real difference in engineering, and there’s so much opportunity to contribute to meaningful solutions, especially in healthcare.”
Anh Nguyen’s career is a powerful example of how engineering can impact healthcare and improve lives. Her work at Ascential Technologies, particularly her leadership of the Ascentialytics initiative, continues to drive innovation and create meaningful solutions for the future of medicine.
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