Naperville resident begins NIU College of Engineering leadership role

On July 1, one of Naperville's newest residents, Mohammad Saadeh, took the reins as chair of Northern Illinois University's Department of Engineering Technology (TECH).

The department is part of NIU's College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) on the DeKalb campus.

Dr. Saadeh was most recently at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana for 12 years. He was an assistant professor for six years before a six-year period as Department Head of Industrial and Engineering Technology. In that span, he significantly advanced the department through innovative program development and strategic partnerships.

CEET’s emphasis on hands-on instruction resonates with Saadeh.

“I believe in offering support, training, and a safe environment that accepts trials and failures as integral parts of the learning process,” Saadeh said. “Technology is more into `show me’ and `hands on’ than theory. I like to work on cars and complicated systems, and I know many students in Technology share the same interests. That’s one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with them.”

Also on July 1, CEET saw the arrival of another new department head: Chang Soo (CS) Nam, who is chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

CEET Dean David Grewell said he’s impressed by Saadeh’s experience, commitment to student success, and visionary approach to program development that aligns with NIU's mission and values.

`Already Demonstrated Strength and Leadership’

“He’s already demonstrated strength and leadership as a department chair,” Grewell added. “We look forward to having Mohammad address the department’s challenges and opportunities in the future.”

“I thrive the most when I feel supported and the dean was very clear about his vision and what needs to be done here—to lead the department to new heights,” Saadeh said. “I feel connected with him on a personal level.”

At Southeastern, Saadeh has developed numerous courses and curricula, created new degrees and concentrations, and expanded laboratory capacities to better serve students and industry needs. His efforts have consistently focused on enhancing the educational experience and ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for high-demand, high-paying jobs.

His research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, spanning areas such as artificial intelligence, optimization, instrumentation, and Bio-Mechatronics. At Southeastern, he supervised numerous senior projects and obtained funding from sources like the Board of Regents and NASA to enhance lab facilities and support STEM education initiatives.

One of his notable achievements is the establishment of the Science and Technology Interactive Learning Experience (STILE) Program, aimed at increasing STEM awareness among students from low-income backgrounds.

At NIU, he plans to continue his work in supporting students from lower socio-economic backgrounds by developing outreach initiatives to connect with K-12 schools in high-poverty areas and creating pathways for social mobility through professional relationships and industry partnerships.

`Exciting to join a college of NIU’s caliber and size’

Being part of a larger university and in a much larger metropolitan area are also attractive elements for Saadeh.

“It’s very exciting to join a college of NIU’s caliber and size,” he said. “During the interview process, I was struck by all the access it provides as well as being close to Chicago, one of the world’s iconic cities.”

NIU’s strategic location and strong industrial ties provide ample opportunity to attract and retain diverse talent, including out-of-state and international students “with varied preparation and career prospects,” he said.

A native of Jordan, Saadeh hails from an academically oriented family. His father was an accounting professor and most of his siblings have advanced degrees, including two who also work in academia. In addition, his wife, Hanaa, holds two master’s degrees (Exercise Physiology and Population Health Management) and has served as an adjunct faculty member at three Louisiana colleges.

Saadeh received his BS in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Jordan, his MS in Mechatronics Engineering from International Islamic University Malaysia, and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he also received the Teaching Assistant of the Year award in 2010. In addition, Saadeh earned his MBA from Southeastern.

The Saadehs are the parents of four boys and one girl.

Saadeh succeeds Shun Takai, an associate professor in the TECH department who served as TECH’s interim chair for the past three years. Takai continues in his role as associate professor.

To learn more, visit the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology online.