Dr. Arlyne Simon Talks Innovation, Diversity, and Redefining STEM in an Exclusive Interview

Feb 1, 2025
By Lauren Parker, The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

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At the 2nd Annual Innovation Education Summit at the University of South Florida Research Park, Dr. Arlyne Simon captivated audiences as the keynote speaker, sharing pivotal moments that have shaped her career. From awe-inspiring breakthroughs in biomedical engineering to her unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of inventors, her address was a celebration of innovation and inclusion in STEM.

Dr. Simon’s journey is one of breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. As a biomedical engineer at Intel, a patented inventor, and the creator of the Abby Invents children’s book series, she exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and creative vision. “Balance isn’t about giving equal time to everything; it’s about being flexible and knowing when to lean into your creative energy,” she explains. Her mantra, “Lift as you climb,” reflects her dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion, particularly in spaces where she was often the only woman or Black engineer.

Her impact extends far beyond the lab. Recognized as a trailblazing female innovator by the USPTO and awarded honors such as Georgia Tech 40 Under 40 (Class of 2024), Dr. Simon’s career is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity and determination. Whether pioneering new innovations in the healthcare field or mentoring future inventors, her work inspires others to see themselves as problem-solvers and changemakers.

Through her exclusive interview, Dr. Simon shares the pivotal experiences that have shaped her journey, offering insights into the innovations, challenges, and moments of inspiration that define her remarkable career.

A Life-Changing Spark

When I asked Dr. Simon about what first sparked her interest in science and innovation, she shared an inspiring story of where it all began. When a chemical engineering professor at Georgia Tech introduced his invention to a classroom of eager students, Dr. Arlyne Simon, then an undergraduate, found herself captivated. The professor unveiled a groundbreaking transdermal drug delivery patch that used microneedles to administer medication painlessly—a concept as simple as applying a Band-Aid, yet transformative in its potential to revolutionize healthcare.

As Dr. Simon recounts, she was transfixed, not just by the ingenuity of the invention, but by the accessibility of the moment. “The person responsible for this incredible innovation was standing just a few feet away, speaking about it as though it was no different than discussing the weather,” she recalls. This humanized perspective on innovation left an indelible mark on her. For the first time, she saw not only the tangible impact of engineering on people’s lives but also the realization that she, too, could be a part of this world-changing field.

That day, the vision of creating life-saving medical devices began to crystallize in her mind. While still in her early 20s and grappling with the question of who she wanted to become, Dr. Simon gravitated toward articles and research that explored biomedical innovations, such as tissue engineering and disease detection. It became clear that biomedical engineering wasn’t just an academic pursuit; it was her gateway to making a real difference in the world. This decision ultimately led her to the University of Michigan, where she joined Dr. Shuichi Takayama’s lab and co-invented a pioneering blood test capable of detecting bone marrow transplant rejection in patients. The invention—built upon the fusion of polymer science, microfluidics, and immunology—was born out of an interdisciplinary collaboration with physicians and researchers. Dr. Simon spent long hours in both the microfluidics lab and the Cancer Center, blending deep technical expertise with user-centered design insights gathered from healthcare professionals.

This groundbreaking work, which required navigating the complexities of fluid mechanics, polymer behavior, and graft-versus-host disease biomarkers, laid the foundation for her continued commitment to solving healthcare challenges. For Dr. Simon, the journey to becoming an inventor was fueled by a simple yet profound spark of curiosity—one that has since illuminated a career defined by innovation, resilience, and a drive to improve lives.

Empowering Young Minds with Abby Invents

Despite her pioneering discoveries, Dr. Arlyne Simon didn’t identify as a patent holder or inventor for nearly five years after her groundbreaking innovation. It wasn’t until she watched the movie Hidden Figures in 2017 that she began to talk about her patents and innovations openly. The film, which celebrated the overlooked contributions of Black women to NASA’s space program, sparked a pivotal moment for Dr. Simon. As she reflected, “When I watched Hidden Figures, I think it inspired me to not want to be hidden anymore.” Before this moment, she admitted, “Many of my friends did not know that I had invented something.” Seeing the film motivated her to share her story and embrace her role as an inventor. Shortly after, in 2018, she published her first children’s book, Abby Invents Unbreakable Crayons. Recognizing the lack of diversity in the traditional image of inventors, Dr. Arlyne Simon crafted the Abby Invents series to challenge stereotypes and inspire young readers to see themselves as changemakers. As she explains, “Kids don’t have to wait until they’re adults to know they can be inventors.” Through Abby’s adventures, Dr. Simon seeks to redefine what it means to invent—showcasing problem-solving, creativity, and resilience as essential tools that are accessible to everyone, especially to children.

The heart of the series lies in its relatability and empowerment. Dr. Simon shared that inventors have historically been portrayed as older white men, a depiction that she herself struggled to identify with, even after obtaining patents. Her books break this mold, introducing Abby—a bright, inquisitive young girl whose inventive spirit echoes the universal curiosity of childhood. “If Abby can be an inventor, so can they,” Dr. Simon remarked, emphasizing the transformative power of seeing oneself reflected in stories.

Beyond entertainment, Abby Invents offers lessons in perseverance and innovation. One of Abby’s key challenges mirrors Simon’s own journey: navigating self-doubt and overcoming failures. By weaving these real-life struggles into Abby’s narrative, Dr. Simon hopes young readers will embrace failure as a natural and vital step toward success. Parents and educators have already reported the book’s impact—children turning garages into makeshift labs or brainstorming inventive solutions inspired by Abby’s journey.

Through this groundbreaking series, Dr. Simon isn’t just telling stories—she’s planting seeds of confidence and imagination in the next generation. Her ultimate vision? A world where inventors represent the true diversity of our society, and every child feels empowered to see themselves as a problem solver and creator.

Championing Change in Healthcare Innovation

When asked, “What has been the most rewarding role you’ve held, and why?” Dr. Simon highlights her role as a solutions architect in Intel’s Health and Life Sciences Group. She explains, “My most rewarding role is as a solutions architect, where I get to work with the top ultrasound manufacturers globally, using my expertise in biomedical engineering and computer architecture to advance medical imaging, often by improving clinical workflow and diagnoses.

This role exemplifies Dr. Simon’s ability to merge advanced technology with a commitment to innovation. Her passion for diversity and inclusivity in STEM extends to mentoring engineers and collaborating with software and hardware architects, ensuring underrepresented groups see themselves reflected in the field. She shares, “Lifting others as I climb is not just a mantra but a mission I live daily.”

As she reflects on the transformative impact of her work, Dr. Simon concludes, “This role embodies everything I love—teamwork, innovation, and making a difference.”

Mentorship: The Secret Ingredient

For aspiring inventors, Dr. Arlyne Simon emphasizes one powerful tool that has shaped her career: mentorship. “Mentors are the secret ingredient,” she shares, reflecting on the invaluable guidance she received from her early academic days to her professional milestones. These relationships, she explains, are about more than just advice—they create a ripple effect of support, inspiration, and growth.

Dr. Simon’s advocacy stems from deeply personal experiences. As the first college graduate on her mother’s side and the first Ph.D. on her father’s, she knows the power of representation. Navigating these uncharted waters, she found mentorship especially crucial in bridging gaps and building confidence. “Mentors are the reason I’ve been able to climb and lift others along the way,” she notes, underscoring how these connections can transform not just careers but lives. Her advice? Seek out people who inspire you, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. She recommends starting with a simple conversation—a 30-minute coffee chat can evolve into a life-changing relationship. “You don’t need just one mentor,” she advises. “Build a community of supporters with diverse skills and perspectives.” For Dr. Simon, mentorship isn’t just about receiving—it’s about paying it forward, ensuring the next generation of inventors is equipped with the confidence

Redefining the Future of STEM

Not only is Dr. Simon a biomedical engineer, inventor and author, she is also an entrepreneur and STEM advocate. When I asked Dr. Simon how she envisions her programs SeeSoar Kids™ and InventionLIT ™ reshaping the way STEM is taught in classrooms, she shared her thoughts with enthusiasm. Dr. Simon’s vision for the future of STEM education goes beyond traditional teaching methods. Through programs like SeeSoar Kids™ and InventionLIT ™, she’s revolutionizing the way educators approach STEM in classrooms, making science, engineering, and invention accessible and engaging. “Many educators shy away from teaching STEM because they feel unqualified,” she explains. Her goal is to demystify these subjects by showing teachers—and parents—that they can use relatable, creative tools like children’s books to inspire young learners.

Dr. Simon explains that InventionLIT™ takes storytelling to the next level, transforming books into launchpads for problem-solving and innovation. For instance, she shares that children might read a whimsical story like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and be prompted to invent solutions for living in a world of oversized, falling food. By encouraging open-ended, student-driven exploration, Dr. Simon emphasizes that this approach helps children see themselves as changemakers, capable of solving problems in their homes, schools, and communities.

Dr. Simon is not only addressing the lack of diversity in STEM but also actively dismantling stereotypes through her advocacy and educational efforts. With only 12.8% of patent holders being women, she remains steadfast in her mission to show that invention is for everyone.  By reshaping STEM education and inspiring young girls to see themselves as inventors, Dr. Simon’s impact transcends her personal accolades and innovations. Her dedication to inclusivity, creativity, and mentorship ensures that the next generation is not only equipped to dream big but also empowered to turn those dreams into reality.