Meet our Alumni

  • Alexandra - MSL Alumna Alexandra
    MSL ’17
    BS, Biology; BA, French
    Current Job Title: Clinical Development Consultant
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  • Amy Amy
    MSL ’15
    BSE, Bioengineering; Minor, Mathematics
    Current Job Title: Co-Founder and Chief Intellectual Property Officer
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  • Angad Angad
    MSL ’18
    BS, Mechanical Engineering
    Current Job Title: Data Analyst
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  • Benjamin Benjamin
    MSL '20
    BS, Information Systems
    Current Job Title: Chief Information Security Officer
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  • Celeste - MSL Alumna Celeste
    MSL '16
    BS, Biology
    Current Job Title: Regulatory Affairs Manager
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  • Chantel Chantel
    MSL '20
    BA, Biochemistry
    Current Job Title: Education and Product Development Administrator 
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  • Cheyenne Cheyenne
    MSL '19
    BS, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Concentration in Supply Chain Engineering
    Current Job Title: Business Development Analyst 
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  • Denise Denise
    MSL '19
    BS, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Minor in Chemistry
    Current Job Title: Business Development Director and Co-Founder 
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  • Elizabeth - MSL Alumna Elizabeth
    MSL '17
    BS, Health & Human Performance
    Current Job Title: Intellectual Property and Patent Specialist
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  • Eric - MSL Alum Eric
    MSL '17
    BS, Mechanical Engineering; MS, Mechanical Engineering
    Current Job Title: Machine Learning Engineer
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  • Erwin Erwin
    MSL ’17
    BA, Criminal Justice; MBA; MS, Information Systems
    Current Job Title: Corporate Strategy 
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  • Javier Javier
    MSL '20
    PhD, Pharmacology, Physiology and Therapeutics; BS, Biochemistry
    Current Job Title: Bioscience Sales Specialist 
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  • John - MSL Alum John
    MSL '17
    BS, Community Health; Minor, Chemistry
    Current Job Title: Medical Student
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  • Kat Kat
    MSL '19
    BS, Kinesiology
    Current Job Title: Customer Success Manager
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  • Laurelle Laurelle
    MSL ’18
    BS, Mechanical Engineering
    Current Job Title: Co-Founder and COO
    Watch »
  • Rana Rana
    MSL '18
    BS, Systems Engineering
    Current Job Title: Compliance Officer 
    Read »
  • Shobit Shobhit
    MSL '20
    PhD, Chemical Engineering; BTech, Chemical Engineering 
    Current Job Title: Principal Data Scientist 
    Read »
  • Shunran - MSL Alum Shunran
    MSL ’16
    BS, Mechanical Engineering
    Current Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
    Watch »
  • Stephanie - MSL Alumna Stephanie
    MSL ’17
    BS, Biology; PhD, Biomedical Sciences
    Current Job Title: Inside Sales Specialist
    Read »
  • Suzanne - MSL Alumna Suzanne
    MSL ’16
    BAS, History; MA, Urban Planning and Policy
    Current Job Title: Manager, Paralegals and Legal Operations
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  • Teruki Teruki
    MSL '19
    PhD, Applied Biosciences; BS, Bio-Resource Science
    Current Job Title: Deputy Director of Policy Planning and Research 
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  • Ying Ying
    MSL '19
    BS, Material Science
    Current Job Title: IP Specialist 
    Read »

Alexandra

Alexandra - MSL Alum

Current Job Title: Clinical Development Consultant

Hometown:  Arlington Heights, IL

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Biology; BA, French

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I chose to do to the Northwestern Law MSL program because the program truly aligned with all of my interests. I love science (Biology/Genetics particularly), and have always been interested in law and business. Innovation and efficiency are very important to me, and I knew the MSL program would give me the tools to innovate and improve efficiency within the life sciences and healthcare fields. The courses offered particularly appealed to me due to the breadth and real-world focus of the material.

What was your favorite thing about the MSL?
My favorite thing about the MSL program was that I constantly learned new things that I could immediately put into practice. The program is designed to support students with whatever endeavors they wish to pursue, and there were countless resources to spur innovation, leading to tangible results. With every new concept I learned, my perspective was broadened and enriched, making me a more well-rounded individual in law, business, science and technology.

What did you admire about your classmates?
I admired how accomplished and diverse my classmates were. They all had an immense amount of unique talent and knowledge, and they were extremely collaborative in nature. I was inspired every day by my classmates, and I learned as much from my professors as I did from my classmates.

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Amy

Amy Garber (MSL ’15) was already a successful patent agent when she joined the MSL program; she came to the MSL to learn more about how intellectual property assets impact business value. In the MSL program, she learned that and so much more - Amy met a like-minded team and went on to co-found Hazel Technologies, a company that develops shelf-life extension technology for fruits and vegetables to combat waste in the agricultural supply chain. The MSL taught Amy, “there is a place for me in the start-up world, solving real world problems that matter.”

Current Job Title:  Co-Founder and Chief Intellectual Property Officer

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BSE, Bioengineering; Minor, Mathematics

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Angad

Angad Verma (MSL '18) came to the MSL program after studying mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech; looking to leverage his engineering background, Angad sought interdisciplinary skills that would give him career flexibility and make him an asset in any industry. The MSL program allowed him to marry his STEM background with business and legal courses to launch a career as a Legal Associate for a fast-paced start-up.

Current Job Title:  Data Analyst
Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Mechanical Engineering

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Benjamin

Benjamin

Current Job Title:  Chief Information Security Officer

MSL Degree Format: Part-Time Residential

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Information Systems

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
My decision was not based on pursuing the MSL as a continuation of my academic journey, but rather a very deliberate move towards advancing my already well-established career. Over my career, I had noticed that much of my work steered away from boots-on-the-ground technical work and more into legal, regulatory, and contracts. The MSL program provides a curriculum tailored specifically for people with my background who are being asked to do that type of work. In short, when I learned about the MSL program, it immediately struck me as being perfect for me and my goals.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
I really like being part of the law school as a whole. The MSL focus is distinctly different from that of the J.D. and LL.M. programs, but the program feels well-integrated with the overall mission of the school. That feeling of belonging and shared goals really is one of my favorite things about the program. That, and the professors are simply amazing.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
The curriculum is smartly crafted to really get you thinking like a law professional without the heavy investment of pursuing a J.D. I've been able to walk out of my MSL classes and speak effectively with legal professionals in their language about real-world cases and issues.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
I would say that if the MSL Program has your interest at all, I'd recommend that you go further and really look into it. The program can really be tailored to what you want and need to get from it; whether that includes a focus on data and privacy, as it does for me, or on regulatory practice, law and business, or some other area of the MSL, you can really make the degree your own.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
I have been consistently blown away by the caliber of the professors. The MSL classes are taught by the same staff that instructs the J.D. program. I guess that I shouldn't have been surprised by this, but to see and experience it has been wonderful.

What is a fun fact about you?
I'm a huge cheesecake aficionado. 

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Celeste

As an accomplished regulatory affairs specialist, Celeste Calhoun-Johnson (MSL '16) engaged frequently with legal departments, but she wanted to play a more active role in the important conversations with lawyers and other executives. In the MSL program, she learned fundamental aspects of the law that she now uses day-to-day in working with others to analyze the complex compliance issues facing her corporation.

Current Job Title:  Regulatory Affairs Manager
Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Biology

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Chantel

Chantel, MSL Alum

Current Job Title: Education and Product Development Administrator

MSL Degree Format: Part-Time Residential

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BA, Biochemistry

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
In my current role, I am a project manager working on global regulatory compliance of chemicals in articles, materials, and products in select industries. While my technical background helps me understand the chemistry and overall science portion of my projects, I wanted to pursue this MSL degree to aid in my understanding of the legal aspects.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
The endless events and the MSL team. The MSL team really goes above and beyond to set up as many events, speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities as possible. As a part-time student, I can't attend every event, but the team tries to either live stream or record the events for me to view.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
The program offers an array of courses to satisfy any concentration avenue you may be looking to pursue. The courses, professors, and staff are very knowledgeable and make sure they are presenting you with top-quality information. During the program, you will read all the intriguing course descriptions and want to take all of the courses available! Many students take more than the minimum credits required. This is a testament to the value this curriculum holds.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
The MSL program should help you achieve your goals: whether you aim to gain legal knowledge as related to STEM fields, continue your education, enhance or develop your expertise in your current role, extend your expertise to be promoted to higher level position, or position yourself to be a valuable asset in a new position. If one or more of the things I've listed are applicable to you, then you should apply. Keep this in mind: although you have a strong STEM background, once you enter the MSL program, you will be a law student, and that is a different world from what we're typically used to. You have to be ready to take on that challenge head first!

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
The MSL program is fast-paced and you have to keep up with the readings and materials or else you will fall behind quickly. I heard this from former students in the program, but I didn’t realize how true it was until I began the program. Time management and organization is key and especially important for part-time students.

What is a fun fact about you?
In undergrad, I was an 8x NCAA All-American in Track & Field. 

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Cheyenne

Cheyenne

Current Job Title: Business Development Analyst

MSL Degree Format: Full-Time Residential

Hometown:  Douglassville, PA

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Concentration in Supply Chain

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I was drawn to a STEAM-focused legal education offered at one of the nation’s top law schools. I have a passion for the commercialization of technology and wanted to complement my engineering degree with a graduate program focused on the intersection of law, business, and technology. I plan to take the patent bar after this program and use my degree for IP portfolio management strategy and entrepreneurial endeavors.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
My favorite thing about the MSL program is the ability to interact not only with my MSL colleagues, but also with students in other programs at Northwestern Law and also in the Chicagoland community. Through the MSL program, I have had the opportunity to give back to the local community by volunteering alongside JD and LLM law students. I also serve as the MSL Representative for the Women’s Leadership Coalition (WLC) and the Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS), and I participate in ThinkChicago, a professional development opportunity sponsored by the Chicago Mayor and World Business Chicago.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Just like the last two lines of William Ernest Henley’s famous poem Invictus, the MSL curriculum empowers students to customize their academic track with a variety of courses offered in intellectual property, business, entrepreneurship, and regulation. This is a unique opportunity to develop breadth or depth in areas of the law, business, and technology. The structure of this program also prepares students for the workforce with opportunities to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit, collaborate with diverse teams, practice public speaking, and develop effective communication skills.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
I would say, “Just Do It!” like the famous slogan. Within just one year, the MSL program exposes students to a robust curriculum in law, business, & technology, professional development opportunities, international legal systems, innovative team projects, the Northwestern Law school community & network, and Chicago’s legal technology community & ecosystem.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are many off-campus and travel learning opportunities through the MSL program and the law school: International Team Projects (ITP), iTrek, and Entrepreneurship Team Project (EnTP). These programs give students international exposure to the political and legal systems of other countries or the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Silicon Valley.

What is a fun fact about you?
I am obsessed with bubble tea after studying abroad in Asia.

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Denise

Denise

Current Job Title: Business Development Director and Co-Founder

MSL Degree Format: Full-Time Residential

Hometown:  Northbrook, IL

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Minor in Chemistry

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I decided to do the MSL program because it provided me with the opportunity to combine all of my interests. I hope to become a physician, but also a business owner and developer, and the MSL program provides me with the skills to achieve my goals.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
My favorite part about the MSL program is the number of opportunities available to students. From taking classes within the law school and business school, having courses that teach how to create a novel product or start a company, to the diverse student-led organizations, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the Northwestern community.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
I love the interdisciplinary nature of the coursework. The curriculum begins with exposure to a wide variety of legal topics to provide a framework, and from there, the electives allow you to customize the program to your personal interests.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
I would advise any prospective students to come visit the University to get first-hand insight from current students and alumni. This program truly has countless benefits for people coming from STEM backgrounds; more than ever, the intersection between law, business, and technology is imperative to understand.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
I have been surprised by the amount of like-minded people that I have found through this program. Each student has a unique story and inspiring aspirations which have furthered my motivation to pursue my goals. I went in expecting to learn from the world-renowned faculty, but I did not anticipate the support system I would develop with my classmates.

What is a fun fact about you?
I am a first generation American and speak fluent Russian. I come from a family of physicians, so I am also a first generation law student! 

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Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Current Job Title: Intellectual Property and Patent Specialist

Hometown:  Fort Worth, TX

Degrees Earned:  BS, Health & Human Performance (focus on Exercise Science)

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I decided to pursue the MSL degree because I knew that it would outfit me with the knowledge, information, material, and skills that would set me apart and spearhead me into the field of intellectual property and patent design. I very quickly recognized the incredible opportunities this program could offer me within this field of study. I learned that in a world that is becoming progressively multifaceted and complex, where success is driven not only by what you know but by what you can do with what you know, it is imperative to be equipped and prepared with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, collect and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. Through the rigorous yet extremely rewarding MSL curriculum and with the help and guidance of the world-class faculty and staff here at Northwestern Law, I can say with 100% confidence and certainty that the MSL program gave me the ability to accomplish and effectuate my dreams and make them a reality.

What was your favorite thing about the MSL?
My favorite part of the MSL program was the family dynamic and camaraderie between the students, as well as the faculty and staff. Everyone wants you to succeed and excel within this program. This high caliber graduate degree program was competitive and motivating, yet inclusive and supportive to each and every one of its members. The atmosphere and uniqueness of this program set it apart from other Master’s degree programs in the country.

What did you admire about your classmates?
The diversity! My classmates were a true representation of the multiplicity that is our world. We had international and domestic students, an assortment of ethnicities and languages, different cultural backgrounds, students who identified with groups such as LGBTQ, students with various religious affiliations, different age groups within the student body, and students with diverse traditions and core beliefs. Northwestern Law encompassed every aspect of an individual’s internal and external life and values. I loved and appreciated getting to know the different cultures and perspectives of my fellow classmates. Not only did I learn in the classroom, I learned on a deeply personal level about how to work and communicate with different styles and groups of people. The diversity of the student body and program enhanced my creativity and problem-solving abilities, as well as my overall understanding of the material within the MSL program.  

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Eric

Eric - MSL Alum

Current Job Title: Machine Learning Engineer

Hometown:  Long Beach, CA

Degrees Earned:  BS, Mechanical Engineering; MS, Mechanical Engineering

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I chose Northwestern Law's MSL program because I wanted to jumpstart my path toward becoming a talented entrepreneur. Before applying to the program, I had already built personal momentum, starting a small business on my own and taking a class to write my first business plan (yes, in that order). I realized how lost I was, and I was eager for mentorship. When I saw the MSL program offered legal and business training for people with backgrounds like mine, I knew I had to try for it. I was so excited I wrote "MSL" on my refrigerator before even applying.

What was your favorite thing about the MSL?
My favorite thing about the MSL program was the practicality of the course material. The program was short (less than a year for full-time students), yet I learned skills that I could apply right away. For example, in one class, I learned about mapping out stakeholders when brainstorming for a business. When I spoke with one of my colleagues about a business, I drew out all the groups that would be involved at different points in a transaction, and this led to a focused discussion.

What did you admire about your classmates?
I admired the goodwill of my MSL classmates. I felt everyone in the program wanted me to succeed. This is a rare thing; it is hard to find so many people that would rather collaborate than compete. I know I can build something great with many of the students I met at the MSL program.

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Erwin

Erwin Cruz (MSL '17) already had an impressive thirty-year career to his credit, including two graduate degrees, when he entered the MSL program. But Erwin knew that the MSL program, with its focus on the intersection of business, technology, and the law, would give him the knowledge and skills that would allow him to remain relevant in a constantly evolving industry. Erwin brought his vast experience to the classroom, and actively interacted with his fellow students and with Northwestern Law’s outstanding faculty. His energy and investment paid off - Erwin was recently named a Top 300 IP Strategist by IAM, the world’s leading IP business media platform.

Current Job Title:  Corporate Strategy
Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  MBA; MS, Information Systems; BA, Criminal Justice

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Javier

Javier

Current Job Title: Bioscience Sales Specialist

MSL Degree Format: Part-Time Residential

Hometown:  Chicago, IL

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  PhD, Pharmacology, Physiology and Therapeutics; BS, Biochemistry

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I wanted to explore new career opportunities to utilize my scientific background. At first glance, my main interest was to specialize in IP; however, I have also become interested in exploring some of the entrepreneurial and business aspects of the program. I want to achieve a wide scope of knowledge.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
I really like the multidisciplinary approach of the program and being exposed to many different types of students and teachers. I also enjoy the opportunities to network at events and specialized seminars.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
The MSL curriculum offers a great foundation for anyone interested in the intersection of law, technology, and business. There are plenty of elective classes that provide the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. The curriculum is curated to offer sufficient and specialized classes for anyone to succeed upon completion of this program.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
This program is unique. You will learn fundamentals about law and business in a useful way that will increase your career choices. The program has great teachers and the level the education is beyond excellent.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
I was expecting a very competitive student environment like any law school. However, I have been pleasantly surprised to find such a welcoming environment, and I enjoy camaraderie with my classmates.

What is a fun fact about you?
I like to spend my free time knitting all kinds of things including scarfs, shawls, sweaters, and anything that has yarn!

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John

After graduating from college, John Walton (MSL '17) knew he was interested in both the law and healthcare, and he was looking for a program that would help him connect these subjects. In the MSL program, John took courses in patents, regulation, and entrepreneurship, and built a foundation for his future as a forward-thinking doctor advocating for innovation in the healthcare field.

Current Job Title:  Medical Student at Rush University
Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Community Health; Minor, Chemistry

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Kat

Kat

Current Job Title: Customer Success Manager

MSL Degree Format: Full-Time Residential

Hometown:  Austin, TX

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Kinesiology

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
During my undergraduate education, it was my original intent to pursue medical school after graduating. Close to the end of school, I realized I wanted something different. The MSL program offered a unique opportunity for me to combine my past experience and interest in the STEM field with business and entrepreneurship. The MSL program has allowed me to explore my various interests, learn relevant and pertinent skills, and discover many new interdisciplinary careers I can pursue.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
I love that the MSL offers a wide variety of unique classes. Not only is there an incredible list of class options, but each student can customize their degree plan according to their own specific interests. I have been able to develop a degree plan that will allow me to pursue my own individual interests and achieve my unique goals.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
The MSL curriculum is phenomenal. All of the available classes are interesting, relevant, and collaborative. Additionally, the professors are outstanding.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
I would encourage anyone thinking about the MSL program to strongly consider it. Reach out to current students and the MSL support staff for more information. The MSL is a welcoming community of outstanding individuals who would be more than happy to help with your decision. I would also recommend evaluating where you might want to go in your career and look at the course list from this past year; the knowledge gained from this program is extremely beneficial and invaluable in many careers.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
I am surprised by how unique the current MSL class is. There are students from all disciplines and from all over the world. Despite our differences in age, work experience, etc., the entire program has come together as one supportive and collaborative group.

What is a fun fact about you?
I did my undergraduate research on special populations, and have been heavily involved with Special Olympics Texas.

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Laurelle

After studying engineering at Northwestern University, Laurelle Banta (MSL '17) wanted to learn more about intellectual property and how to protect the ideas she was coming up with in the lab. She didn’t know she was also about to become an entrepreneur. As an MSL student, Laurelle took the NUvention Energy course, met a team of entrepreneurially-minded people, and founded NUMix Materials, a company focused on taking heavy metals out of water. As her company continues to grow, Laurelle says, “There’s not a day that goes by where the MSL program has not been useful.”

Current Job Title:  Co-Founder and COO, NUMix Materials
Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Mechanical Engineering

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Rana

Rana

Current Job Title: Compliance Officer

MSL Degree Format: Full-Time Residential

Hometown:  Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Systems Engineering

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
The world today is rapidly changing as we develop into a more technological society where the lines between different fields are becoming more blurred. To excel as an engineer, I wanted to broaden my knowledge of business and law and understand how they intertwine. The MSL Program was the ideal step for me after my undergraduate degree, as it allows me to enhance my knowledge of both law and business as well as to build an international network of like-minded individuals.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
My favorite thing about the MSL is the community. Students instantly become friends and have open lines of communication with MSL staff and faculty members. There is always someone to grab coffee with and there is always someone to help out when needed.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
The MSL curriculum is unique and exceptional. Students are able to shape the program to best fit their backgrounds and future careers. All the classes are beneficial, remarkable, and eye-opening. There is no way that one will regret enrolling in any of the offered classes.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
Just go for it, and you will not regret it! The program will widen your horizons and act as a stepping stone to an even brighter future. Between the IP, regulation, and business classes, you will be able to identify yourself as a frontrunner in any industry.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
The knowledge I have gained since orientation week has been tremendous and beyond my expectations. The course descriptions can’t really capture all of what one will learn in the classes. Beyond that, the program has opened my eyes to new career opportunities that I either didn’t know about or didn’t think I was interested in. The strong and friendly MSL community bond has also taken me by surprise since enrolling in the program.

What is a fun fact about you?
I watch The Sound of Music before every first day of a new semester. 

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Shobhit

Shobit

Current Job Title: Principal Data Scientist

MSL Degree Format: Part-Time Residential

Hometown:  Chicago, IL

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  PhD, Chemical Engineering; BTech, Chemical Engineering 

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
After having been through extensive training and work experience in the area of science and engineering, I was looking to diversify my skill set. I first came to know about the MSL program at one of the scientific conferences that I attended, and I was immediately interested in the program. After going through the program curriculum and having consultations with the MSL Program Director, I decided to apply for the program. Having gone through the initial portion of the curriculum, I believe I have taken a right step in the right direction.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
There are so many interesting courses offered in the program that I find it really difficult to decide what courses to take and what to leave behind. I get interested in almost everything that is offered.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
The MSL program provides this unique curriculum that is a hybrid of law and business courses. It places a student right at the intersection of business and law. In this sense, it is a unique program – there’s nothing quite like it around the country.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
I think it is a great program for people who are looking to expand their careers beyond their STEM backgrounds.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
Not many surprises for me, but one thing that exceeded my expectations is that the MSL program staff members are extremely supportive and responsive. Everyone makes an extra effort to address any issues of the students, and I really appreciate that.

What is a fun fact about you?
I love the game of cricket.

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Shunran

Already a successful engineer, Shunran Shi (MSL ’16) knew that he wanted to utilize his technical background, but also to take on a professional role that would allow him to interact in a more meaningful way with business and legal issues. In the MSL program, Shunran developed business and leadership skills that helped him land in a perfect position at Illinois Tool Works – a position that allows him to utilize both technical and non-technical skills on a daily basis.

Current Job Title:  Mechanical Engineer
Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Mechanical Engineering

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Stephanie

Stephanie - MSL Alum

Current Job Title: Inside Sales Specialist

Hometown:  Nashville, TN

Degrees Earned:  BS, Biology; PhD, Biomedical Sciences

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
As I was finishing up my PhD, I knew I wanted a career beyond the laboratory that would include exposure to emerging developments in science, allow for interactions with budding scientists and experts in all fields of biomedicine, and put me in a translational role that would allow me to utilize my full skill set.  I concluded that law would be a great avenue to explore: my understanding of cancer biology could bring a different perspective to the ever-changing healthcare and patent law landscapes. The MSL degree offered aspects of intellectual property and regulation that helped me transition from academia to industry and policy. Along with the prestige of obtaining a degree from Northwestern, the MSL program offered relevant, hands-on coursework that prepared me for the next stage of my career. I now have options that I didn’t have with the PhD alone.  

What was your favorite thing about the MSL?
The support of faculty and staff in the MSL program was phenomenal.  The faculty have offered help in grasping concepts outside of the classroom as well as assistance in building my network. Coordinators of the program had our best interests in mind. They hosted seminars with leading entrepreneurs from various backgrounds and offered assistance in career development opportunities.

What did you admire about your classmates?
We were a diverse group! Everyone had a different background and life experiences. This created a rich learning environment. Additionally, we were a family. Our goal was to help each other achieve our highest potential. I love those guys!

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Suzanne

Suzanne

Current Job Title:  Manager, Paralegals and Legal Operations

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I was becoming more involved in all aspects of our in-house legal team and wanted to expand my skill set.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
Do it! You will be at the forefront of a new career path that has not yet been completely defined. Technology is ubiquitous in our lives, much like the law, and the two are influencing each other in ways that we need to comprehend. The more you know about both, the better off you are.

What was the most valuable aspect of the MSL and why?
The MSL community of students, faculty and administration was the best part of the program. With such a dynamic group of students and a supportive network, the classes were much more beneficial than they would have been otherwise.

How did the MSL program contribute to your leadership and/or teamwork skills?
Through the MSL program, I interacted with professionals from a variety of industries that I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to do. This experience helped me learn to work with unique minds and expand my way of thinking.

How have you used the MSL in your career or professional life?
I use something from some class every day. There are still books, cases and articles that I refer to, and I now have some very practical skills in research, writing and basic legal functions that I use when I am working with the attorneys on my team, which I do regularly.

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Teruki

Teruki

Current Job Title: Deputy Director of Policy Planning and Research

MSL Degree Format: Full-Time Residential

Hometown:  Tokyo, Japan

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Bio-Resource Science; PhD, Applied Biosciences

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
This program is specifically designed for STEM people who want to understand and manage legal issues related to business and technology. The program fits my needs perfectly, as I came from the Japan Patent Office to study and research the U.S. patent system. I wanted to learn the basics of the U.S. law system before I continue my career.

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
The class diversity and huge support from faculty and MSL staff are wonderful aspects of the program. I learn a lot from and have fun with my classmates, all of whom are promising professionals with diverse work experience and educational backgrounds.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
The MSL’s interdisciplinary curriculum is exactly what I needed. I really like how we first study fundamental aspects of law and then we pursue specific applied courses. I am studying along an IP-track, which includes a variety of courses from Patent Law to IP valuation.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
I’d definitely recommend Northwestern Law’s MSL if you are looking for the best place to learn law, business and technology simultaneously. One more thing: the location is amazing.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
I have to say that the schoolwork is hard (especially for students from non-English speaking backgrounds). But, at the same time, students can gain more than expected from this program.

What is a fun fact about you?
I came here with my wife and two kids. We really love this fantastic city and we’re always in search of good places to see in Chicago. 

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Ying

Ying, MSL Alum

Current Job Title: IP Specialist

MSL Degree Format: Full-Time Residential

Hometown:  Suzhou, China

Pre-MSL Degrees Earned:  BS, Material Science

Why did you decide to do Northwestern Law’s MSL program?
I always wanted to combine my science background with my interest in law, and also to explore the world of intellectual property. This program is perfectly suited for these goals!

What is your favorite thing about the MSL?
The diversity. The diverse backgrounds of my classmates, the diverse focus of different classes, the diverse experience of our teachers and instructors.

What do you think about the MSL curriculum?
I think it is a great combination of law, business, and technology. On the one hand, the program has typical law school features and trains our logical and critical thinking; on the other hand, it touches on an interdisciplinary area that is of very practical use.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about the MSL program?
It's a great opportunity! Whether you are already dedicated to this area, or are trying to learn about different career opportunities, the MSL program can help.

What has surprised you about the MSL program (compared with what you expected prior to enrolling)?
The atmosphere is even more supportive and collaborative than I could have imagined. The MSL administrators care a lot about our academic performance and career development. As a class, we have a lot of opportunities to collaborate in groups and benefit from everybody’s insight and experiences.

What is a fun fact about you?
Coming to the MSL program is actually my very first time here in the US. Everything is just super exciting! 

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