Dr. Grace Winschel, who graduated University of Michigan in 2015, came to Ann Arbor to share her experience starting a career in patent law. After receiving her Ph.D. in Chemistry (under the guidance of Dr. Pavel Nagorny), Grace moved to Seattle, Washington to serve as a scientific advisor at the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Passing the Patent Bar in 2016, she became registered to practice in front of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As a Patent Agent, Grace primarily focuses on post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

In her talk, Grace discussed her transition from defending her dissertation to obtaining a career in patent law. In addition to providing insider intel on what life is like as a patent agent, she also identified different career and advancement options within the field, and tips to stand out as job candidate.