Meet our new team member – Aaron Mailman, Senior Development Engineer

Spinnova has recently welcomed a new team member, Aaron Mailman, as a Senior Development Engineer to lead our Formulation Development. Aaron’s background combining academic research in advanced synthetic chemistry and strategic R&D leadership will greatly contribute to improving fibre concept efficiency and further developing the SPINNOVA® fibre properties. Below, Aaron shares more about his background, his motivation for joining Spinnova, and his outlook for the future.

"I’m a highly motivated and energetic individual who thrives under pressure and values staying active—both intellectually and physically. I bring focus and drive to my work, balanced by a love for the outdoors, sports, and time spent with my dog, close friends and family. I’m self-aware and continuously seek opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. Whether through reflection, feedback, or new challenges, I’m committed to improving and evolving. With a collaborative mindset, I enjoy contributing meaningfully to dynamic, multidisciplinary environments.

Driven by a passion for discovery, I’ve spent over 20 years advancing molecular science through synthetic chemistry, bridging academic research and strategic R&D leadership. My multidisciplinary approach has led to commercially viable innovations and successful industry collaborations. After earning my PhD from the University of New Brunswick (2011) and completing a postdoc at the University of Waterloo, I received a Marie Curie Fellowship that brought me to Finland in 2015. In 2020, I became an independent Academy of Finland researcher at the University of Jyväskylä, where I’ve mentored postdocs, PhD candidates, and Erasmus students—many now thriving in academia and industry. With 46+ peer-reviewed publications and numerous invited talks, I’m recognised internationally for building cross-disciplinary collaborations that unite chemistry and physics to tackle complex materials challenges.

With a strong foundation in academic research and a passion for applied science, I wanted to transition towards new challenges where innovation meets real-world impact. My expertise in synthetic chemistry and interdisciplinary collaboration has equipped me to contribute meaningfully to research & development at Spinnova. Over time, I’ve become increasingly drawn to environments that value agility, teamwork, and translational outcomes—qualities I see thriving in industry. This transition also reflects a personal commitment to better work-life balance, as I’ve come to recognise the limitations of academia in aligning with my drive for tangible innovation and broader societal relevance.

Just a few weeks in, I am genuinely inspired by Spinnova’s vision and its transformative potential in industries dependent on natural fibres and materials. The commitment to sustainable innovation, coupled with its unique technology platform, positions Spinnova to deliver valuable solutions across diverse applications where sustainable materials are not just desirable but essential.

I believe ground-breaking science emerges from a balanced perspective—something I strive to maintain in both my professional work and personal life. At Spinnova, I am bringing a strategic mindset, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to sustainable innovation. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the development of next-generation textile materials, helping advance Spinnova’s mission to make a impact on the future of textiles and natural materials."

Aaron Mailman, Senior Development Engineer at Spinnova