Major Professor: Catherine Logue

Home Department: Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine

Dissertation Title: Comparative genomics and phylogenetic assignment of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli

Fellowships and Awards: Brown Graduate Fellowship and the Russ & Lora Talbot Graduate Fellowship in Veterinary Medicine

Current Job Title: United States Patent & Trademark Office, Patent Examiner

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Please describe your current position

I read and assess patent applications submitted by inventors or their representatives, search for the closest prior art (other patents, publications, review articles, etc.), and write an opinion on the novelty and legality of the biotech inventions. I also routinely have attorney interviews.

Please describe your research at ISU

I performed research on Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), which included both computational and laboratory work.

How did your time in the Interdepartmental Microbiology program prepare you for your current position?

My time as a graduate student gave me a base level of scientific knowledge, taught me how to handle tight deadlines, and how to persevere. These traits are important in my current job, which is production based with time limits on cases.

What advice would you give students looking for work in a similar position or field?

I would ask other people for their advice—informational interviews are a great place to start! I spoke with numerous people before starting my current career path.

What was your favorite part of the Interdepartmental Microbiology program?

MGSO! Not all graduate programs have a student community like Interdepartmental Micro

What was your favorite part of living in Ames?

The low cost of living, the amount of outdoor space, and the safety of the community

If you could give new students in the program a piece of advice, what would you say?

Network! I think getting to know other students is important, but I think getting to know the faculty is even more important! These are the individuals that will guide, teach, and evaluate you for years, and they can provide invaluable resources when it's time for you to begin job hunting

What advice would you give students about to graduate and enter the job market?

Think broadly—many skills are transferable!