Education

Albany Law School

In early June, after touring numerous law schools, I realized Albany was the place for me.  Nestled in the capitol of the state and amidst the growing “tech valley”, Albany Law boasted not only a Center for Science and Technology but a similarly themed law journal which made it particularly alluring to someone with an interest in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.  Albany’s gorgeous late spring weather, with its tropical seeming trade-winds and comfortable warmth also steered me toward my alma mater.

Although interested in Intellectual Property Law, I chose to immerse myself in a broad swath of courses.  Although I chose to pursue diverse subject matter rather than a concentration specifically in IP law.  My decision was based on the hope of rounding out my education and affirming my interests in Patents.  As a result, I realized that my passions extended into contracts, licensing, valuation, business organizations, and legal philosophy.

While at Albany Law, I had the privilege of finding wonderful mentors and friends who shaped my image of what type of lawyer I could aspire toward.  Beginning in my first semester, I spent three years on the Student Bar Association, two of which as the New York State Bar Association representative, where I had the chance to give back to an institution which knew no bounds in its generosity toward me and represent the interests of my fellow students.  For fun, I founded a blog in my second year, known colloquially as the Journal of Cuisine, Beverage, and Society, which focused on improving students and faculty attendance at campus and community based events, participated in many SBA organization activities, and even took a beginner’s class in playing the bag-pipes.

 

SUNY Binghamton University-

Thomas J. Watson School of Applied Sciences and Engineering

On a rainy day in the spring of 2004 I first set foot on the campus of SUNY Binghamton for a tour.  While much of the tour is but a hazy memory, I remember trying fried ravioli for the first time and that I had little appreciation for how profound an impact on me the next four years would have.

I vaguely remember filling out the college application which required I state my intended major.  Considering my high school interests of English, History, Music, and my new appreciation of Physics I scrolled through the seemingly endless list of potential majors.  Among the flurry of choices, my eyes caught Mechanical Engineering and I chose it while thinking of my brilliant mechanical engineer uncle who had recently passed away.  A few months later, I found out that I accepted by the Thomas J. Watson School of Applied Sciences and Engineering.

Finally matriculated, I immersed myself in my engineering curriculum and music courses.  Beyond wrapping my mind around heat transfer, partial differential equations, and the construction of harmonies; I realized that a large component of college was learning how to be a person.  Although it was difficult at times to balance life and school work, it was instilled in me that learning how to establish that balance was one of the most important lessons to be mastered.  With that in mind, I participated in the University Symphony Orchestra, chamber music groups, worked in the dining hall, auditioned for an on campus improv comedy group, took on a few student leadership groups, and never turned down the opportunity an interesting conversation.