Alumni Spotlight

Erik Dersch

Patent Scientist, Crop Transformation Technologies
Monsanto Company - Agracetus Campus
Class of 2004

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Erik Dersch entered the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program in 2002 as a Laboratory Technician working at Monsanto Corporation. He knew he wanted to further his scientific career, but not limit himself to a degree or career focused on just one area.

So he enrolled in the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program at UW-Madison, recognizing the value of its broad curriculum and flexible scheduling. Today, Dersch works as a Patent Scientist for Monsanto Corporation, a unique position where he serves as a liaison between scientists and patent attorneys.

"I'm responsible for protecting and managing intellectual property arising from Monsanto's leading transformation technologies," says Dersch. "As a patent scientist, I speak the language of both sides, ensuring that nothing critical to the protection of IP is lost in translation."

For Dersch, the array of courses he took in the biotechnology program were critical to his career advancement.

"The M.S. in Biotechnology provided a firm base from which to build my career in biotechnology. It provided the tools to pursue many different career paths across the industry, rather than being locked into a particular niche.

To me, my professional achievements epitomize the goals and principles of the M.S. in Biotechnology Program: preparing professionals with a well-rounded education in both the science and business of new product development in today's biotech industry."

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