Yearly Archives: 2026

At Patent Pathways®, we are proud to celebrate January 2025 cohort member Tamara Morris on passing the patent bar.

Tamara’s accomplishment marks an important professional milestone and highlights the impact of education, access, and mentorship in helping aspiring practitioners build careers in patent law. Her story is one of determination, growth, and the power of being introduced to the right opportunities at the right time.

“Patent Pathways® was my introduction to patent law and truly set the stage for my success,” Tamara shared. “The program helped me build a clear understanding of the fundamentals while also giving me the confidence to pursue and pass the patent bar. The guidance and resources that it provided were instrumental in helping me transition from academia into a career in Intellectual Property.”

Tamara brings a strong scientific background to the field. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Louisiana State University and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Today, she is a Technology Licensing Associate at Penn State’s Office of Technology Transfer, where she is already contributing to the innovation ecosystem through her work in intellectual property and technology transfer.

Her journey into patent law reflects the experiences of many talented STEM professionals who are seeking a pathway into the field but may not know where to begin. For Tamara, Patent Pathways® served as that starting point — offering the foundational knowledge, practical resources, and encouragement needed to move forward with confidence.

Passing the patent bar is no small feat. It requires discipline, persistence, and a deep understanding of patent practice. Tamara’s success speaks not only to her hard work, but also to what becomes possible when aspiring professionals are equipped with meaningful support and a clear path forward.

At Patent Pathways®, we believe that talent should never be limited by lack of access to information, preparation, or community. Tamara’s success story is a reminder of why this work matters and how transformational these opportunities can be.

We are thrilled to celebrate this achievement with Tamara and look forward to all she will continue to accomplish in intellectual property. If you’d like to be part of someone’s success story, get involved today at patentpathways.org.

Patent Pathways® is proud to celebrate Pei Jasin on passing the patent bar.

This milestone reflects Pei’s hard work, perseverance, and commitment to building on her scientific and professional experience. Pei holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her background also includes research experience at Yale University and Johns Hopkins University, and teaching experience at Liberty University. She currently serves as Assistant Director in Corporate Partnerships at Johns Hopkins.

Pei’s accomplishment highlights the many ways STEM professionals bring valuable perspective to the patent field and to related work in innovation, technology commercialization, and strategic partnerships. Her journey is also a reminder that the path to the patent bar takes focus, determination, and meaningful support along the way.

Reflecting on her experience, Pei shared:

“I am grateful for the resources, community, and mentor support provided by Patent Pathways. Achieving this goal was challenging, and I would not have accomplished it without Patent Pathways’ support.”

Pei also shared that the knowledge she gained through the program has already helped her in her work and that she looks forward to using even more of it in technology commercialization and strategic partnerships.

Her story reflects an important part of the Patent Pathways® mission: helping talented individuals access the tools, guidance, and support needed to move forward in patent law and related careers. For many aspiring patent professionals, the process can feel difficult to navigate alone. Education, mentorship, and community can make a meaningful difference in helping participants build confidence and take the next step.

We are excited to celebrate this accomplishment with Pei and look forward to following her future career success.

Patent Pathways® welcomes mentors, committee volunteers, and supporters who want to help expand accessibility to patent careers and help more aspiring professionals like Pei move forward on this path. Visit patentpathways.org to learn more.

Patent Pathways® is proud to celebrate Ferra Pinnock, a member of the June 2025 cohort, on passing the patent bar.

Ferra currently serves as a Postdoctoral Licensing Associate at Innovation Gateway, the technology transfer office of the University of Georgia. Her impressive background includes a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Yale University and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Cornell University. Her latest achievement marks an exciting milestone in a path shaped by academic excellence, professional dedication, and a clear commitment to building a career in patent law, and we are proud to have contributed to this success.

As someone with a strong technical background and a growing career in innovation and technology transfer, Ferra represents the kind of talent that strengthens the patent profession. Passing the patent bar is a major accomplishment, and it reflects the discipline, focus, and persistence required to reach this goal.

Reflecting on her experience, Ferra shared:

“Patent Pathways has been instrumental in affirming my career aspirations and preparing me for a future in patent law. Between the Patent Basics curriculum and the Patent Bar Prep guidance, the program equipped me with essential skills and credentials necessary to enter and ultimately thrive in this profession. I also deeply benefited from the mentorship program. My mentors were incredibly generous with their time and insight, helping to demystify key aspects of the field, from how to get your foot in the door to understanding the many career paths within the profession.

I’m sincerely grateful to Harrity & Harrity LLP and the broader Patent Pathways community, including the alumni and volunteers, for their ongoing support and encouragement. I’m excited to launch the next chapter of my career as a patent professional!”

Ferra’s story reflects the importance of making patent law more accessible to aspiring professionals with STEM backgrounds. For many future practitioners, the path to the patent bar can feel unfamiliar and difficult to navigate. Access to practical education, mentorship, and encouragement can make a meaningful difference in helping talented individuals move forward with clarity and confidence.

That mission is at the heart of Patent Pathways®. The program exists to help break barriers to the patent profession by equipping participants with the tools, knowledge, and support to pursue careers in patent law. Ferra’s accomplishment is a meaningful example of what can happen when promising professionals are given access to that kind of opportunity.

We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with Ferra and look forward to all that lies ahead in her career.

If you’d like to help make a difference in someone’s patent career journey, visit patentpathways.org and volunteer today.

Celebrating Sabrina Contreras: Patent Bar Success

Patent Pathways® is proud to celebrate our June 2025 participant Sabrina Contreras, who has officially passed the patent bar exam. Sabrina’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets access, mentorship, and a strong support system.

Sabrina earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and is now actively pursuing opportunities as a patent agent. Like many aspiring patent professionals, her path wasn’t always easy, but through the encouragement and empowerment of the Patent Pathways® community, she’s taken the next big step in a promising patent career.

In reflection, Sabrina shared:

“I am incredibly grateful for my experience with Patent Pathways® and for all of the mentors I met through the program. Being part of such an uplifting community that encourages and celebrates us, while also providing the resources to excel on the patent bar, is truly special. The journey was not always smooth, but having the support system Patent Pathways® provided made a huge difference and helped motivate me to keep going, even during moments when I wanted to give up.”

At Patent Pathways®, we know that success with the patent bar takes more than just studying. The process can be a long one, and takes encouragement, guidance, and access to the right resources at the right time. Sabrina’s achievement reflects her resilience and hard work, as well as the impact of a community committed to breaking barriers and opening doors into patent law.

We are excited to see what’s next for her and look forward to supporting her as she continues building her career as a patent agent. Congratulations, Sabrina!

If you’d like to help make a difference in someone’s patent career journey, visit patentpathways.org and volunteer today.

Shilpi Verghese Passes the Patent Bar – A Milestone on Her Pathway into Patent Law

We’re thrilled to celebrate the exciting achievement of one of our Patent Pathways® participants, Shilpi Verghese, who has passed the patent bar exam!

Shilpi’s journey into patent law is rooted in a strong academic and scientific background. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Dayton, as well as a MSc in Biotechnology from BIMR & College of Life Sciences (India) and a BSc in Biotechnology from Loyola Academy (India). Currently, she applies her expertise as an Associate Scientist in the Department of Biology at Emory University.

Transitioning from a research role to a future in patent law is no small feat. But with dedication, strategic preparation, and the right support system, Shilpi is taking bold steps to make it a reality. She credits the Patent Pathways® program for playing a key role in this transformation.

“Patent Pathways played a critical role in my journey to passing the patent bar by providing structured guidance, mentorship, and a supportive community. As a scientist transitioning into intellectual property, the program helped me understand not just the exam, but the profession itself. I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement and resources that helped make this milestone possible. I’m truly grateful for the support and excited for what lies ahead.”

We are incredibly proud of Shilpi’s hard work, perseverance, and commitment to breaking barriers in the patent field. Her success is a testament to why we do this program, the power of opportunity, and the impact of a supportive community.

Congratulations, Shilpi — we can’t wait to see the contributions you’ll make in the world of patent law!

Learn more about how Patent Pathways® supports aspiring patent professionals at www.patentpathways.org.

We are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone for one of our outstanding Patent Pathways® alumni: Melissa B. White has officially passed the patent bar and is now a Registered Patent Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)!

Melissa is a proud graduate of Oakwood University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She is a practicing licensed attorney in the State of Georgia and is actively seeking opportunities to grow her career as a patent attorney.

Throughout her journey, Melissa has remained passionate about encouraging others to explore careers in patent law and the legal profession more broadly. She continues to give back by supporting and uplifting aspiring professionals in the field.

Reflecting on her experience, Melissa shared:

“My participation in Patent Pathways was and continues to be an invaluable experience. The program agenda covered many aspects of the patent profession in a way that was informative and encouraging. It is not hard to identify the most impactful feature of the program. Interacting with the founders, presenters, mentors, and fellow cohorts of the program across multiple formats is its core strength. The professional relationships cultivated during the program remain and industry relationships continue to develop. I am grateful to Patent Pathways’ invaluable mentorship and support, which significantly contributed to my journey to Patent Bar success.”

Melissa’s success is a reminder of what can happen when opportunity, preparation, and perseverance meet. At Patent Pathways®, we are honored to be a part of her journey and can’t wait to see where her career takes her next.

Congratulations, Melissa! Your story is an inspiration to all those seeking to break into the patent profession.

Learn more about how Patent Pathways® supports aspiring patent professionals at www.patentpathways.org.