I joined the patent profession over 20 years ago and have extensive experience guiding biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents to grant in Australia and New Zealand.
After completing my PhD specialising in plant biochemistry and genomics at the University of Adelaide, I spent several years in Munich as a postdoc at the Max-Plank Institute for Biochemistry. My postdoctoral research focused on proteomics and molecular chaperone assisted protein folding in mammalian and bacterial systems.
Upon returning to Australia, I decided to find a career where I could combine my love of science with my long-term interest in the law. I realised that being a patent attorney was the perfect combination of these two areas. I joined Pizzeys Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys in 2002, where I qualified and worked as patent attorney, partner and then principal for seventeen years.
During my career, I have gained experience preparing and prosecuting patents and designs for a diverse range of clients. I particularly enjoy solving complex problems, developing strategies and assisting clients in the areas of structural biology, protein engineering, genetics, genomics, antibody therapeutics, peptide and gene-based therapies and diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, transgenic plants, vaccine formulations and microbially-driven technologies.
Away from patent life, I enjoy studying and learning about archaeology, especially where science and modern archaeology join forces in the rapidly growing field of evolutionary genomics. I also enjoy learning about the ways of rural life amongst the diverse range of plants and animals on my farm on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland.