Patrice Jean *99 is an Intellectual Property Partner at Hughes Hubbard in New York City. She earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology.

"During graduate school, I honed my skills as a scientist, but I also learned how important it was to engage with all people from different disciplines, places, lifestyles and cultures. These skills have proven to be extremely valuable in my current role because, as an IP lawyer, I must critically evaluate the science behind my clients’ many diverse technologies and also engage and persuade examiners, judges and juries to decide matters in their favor.

My experiences at Princeton have been the inspiration behind me pushing for more inclusive and diverse environments at all of the institutions that I have studied at and worked for.

Life outside of academia is challenging but extremely rewarding. Everyone can make a difference and sometimes the most meaningful and empowering moments happen on a very small scale — and you may not know right away. I recently received an email somewhat out of the blue from a Princeton alumna telling me what a difference I had made for her while I was teaching her undergraduate section over 20 years ago. I could never have known then that what I was doing made such a difference in her life. It was a special reminder that it’s the little things that you do every day that can make a real difference in other people’s lives."

For the full story from which this interview is taken, please see this story by Denise Valenti and Liz Fuller-Wright.

Watch Star Lessons in Leadership with Patrice Jean *99, MOL