HOUGHTON – MTEC SmartZone has announced that Hannah Maat has joined the team as a project manager.

In this role, Maat will help early-stage companies transform innovative concepts into market-ready solutions. She will work closely with MTEC startups, entrepreneurs and high-tech companies to connect them with the proper resources and guide them through the challenges of building a business.

“I’m motivated by the process of turning ideas into something that’s tangible and impactful,” she said. “There’s something rewarding about seeing something from start to finish, especially if it can start here in our small community and help entrepreneurs build businesses that create meaningful career opportunities in our rural setting.”

Originally from downstate Fremont, Maat brings a multidisciplinary academic background. She’s earned dual Bachelors of Science degrees in biomedical rngineering and exercise science from Michigan Tech University, as well as a Masters of Education with an emphasis in administration from Central Methodist University. Her education and hands-on experience display a strong ability to translate technical knowledge into practical applications, more specifically, how products and technologies interact with the human body.

Prior to joining MTEC SmartZone, Maat worked as a strength and conditioning coach for NCAA collegiate athletes. In that capacity, she built a strong foundation in athletic development and designing individualized training programs. Through this experience, she helped athletes improve while reducing risk of injury. She also gained experience in clinical research for two large biomedical device manufacturers, further expanding her understanding of applied science in both clinical and industry settings. This combination of experience allows her to bring a human-centered, performance-driven perspective to product development at MTEC.

Outside of work, Maat enjoys golf, weightlifting, snowboarding and running, having completed several half marathons in under 2 hours. She also spends much of her free time with her dogs, Rue and Maya.