Alumni Spotlight

Erik Dersch

Laboratory Technician
Monsanto Company - Agracetus Campus
Class of 2004

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As a Laboratory Technician working at the Monsanto Co.'s Agracetus Campus in Middleton, Wis., Erik Dersch had been putting his scientific background to good use. But after about two and a half years, he wanted to further his scientific career.

"While I enjoyed my work on genetically modified soybeans, I didn't want to limit myself to a graduate degree focused on soy genetics," he says.

Instead, he wanted to augment his scientific background with business courses.

"But pursuing an MBA was not a good fit for me," he says. "I wanted a more well-rounded science-business background. That's why I chose UW-Madison's M.S. in Biotechnology Program."

Dersch found that the program's flexible format accommodated his full-time work schedule at Monsanto. Upon graduation, he was promoted to the position of Research Associate at the company, entailing a higher level of responsibility in the realm of research and development.

"I bring more to the table now, as I have a stronger foundation in licensing, patenting, marketing and regulatory issues," he notes. "I'm also pursuing science in its purest form, designing and performing experiments that could lead to patents. In short, I enjoy my work more."

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