Heather Gerard, a Class of 2000 alumni of UW-Madison’s Genetics & Genomics program, tells her story of building a career at the intersection of science and biotechnology. As the Senior Intellectual Property(IP) Protection & Strategy Manager at Promega Corporation in Madison, Heather oversees the company’s patents, trademarks, and copyrights while ensuring Freedom to Operate (FTO) for their cutting-edge products. Her role requires frequent communication with Promega scientists, a skill she attributes to her broad knowledge of molecular biology, developed through the diverse coursework and lab experiences at UW. Heather’s journey from the McArdle Lab to the forefront of the biotech industry highlights the Genetics & Genomics program’s emphasis on curiosity and collaboration in shaping leaders in the scientific community. In this interview, Heather shares her experiences, insights, and advice for students aspiring to carve their own unique paths in the life sciences.
How would you describe your career and job position? How is this role connected to genetics?
I am Sr. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection & Strategy Manager at Promega Corporation here in Madison. In this position, I manage the company’s IP, i.e., patents, trademarks, trademarks, copyrights, as well as insure that products have Freedom to Operate (FTO; free of 3rd party IP) before they become commercially available. In terms of IP protection, Promega’s main focus is patents, which protect our products. Drafting patent applications and managing their examination at patent offices around the world requires a good breadth of understanding of molecular biology.
What is your job like on a daily basis?
My job mostly involves interacting with our scientists and outside patent counsel (both U.S. and foreign) on our patent applications. It also involves working with our scientists to better understand their inventions and technologies in order to determine patentability and Freedom to Operate.
What about your training at UW-Madison was the most impactful in preparing you for your career?
I think the breadth of courses and lab experience allowed me to have a broad understanding of molecular biology. I am able to confidently converse with our scientists, many of whom have PhDs.
What is the single person, event, or experience that most influenced your trajectory to where you are today?
Working with graduate students opened my eyes to what graduate school would entail, and I realized I did not want to go through what they were going through. This led me to reconsider going to graduate school and getting a PhD and caused me to look at other careers. The search led me to entering the M.S. in Biotechnology, where I learned about all aspects of a biotech company and what other careers my degree would be of value.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your career or in your field? How do you or your company work through them?
One of the biggest challenges in patent law is patent enforcement. Companies spend a lot of money and resources on secure patents on their technologies, so they want to ensure that no one is infringing on them. It is difficult, and costly, though to enforce patents.
What is your advice to current students interested in pursuing a career in your field?
I think my career is one that is not often known about for students. I did not know anything about it until I entered the M.S. in Biotechnology program at the UW. This program introduced me to different fields where I could utilize my degree, one of the being patent law. I advise students to look beyond academic research, i.e., PhD route, with their careers. There are many other options available!
What do you believe is the most important skill for students to develop before entering the workforce?
I think being able to work with others is key to entering the workforce. You will encounter all types of personalities and work types and being able to work with them is beneficial.
What was your favorite class you took at UW?
Viral Oncology (Oncology 640: General Virology–Multiplication of Viruses). It was a graduate level course that focused on viruses that were responsible or assist in cancers. I worked in a lab at McArdle as an undergrad, so this course helped me to better understand what they were researching.
What is your most fond memory from your time at UW-Madison?
I think my work in the lab at McArdle. I learned so much as well as had a lot of fun with the other researchers and graduate students that worked there.