+ Patent & Trade Marks Attorney
+ Biochemist
+ Avid Sailor
What drew you to study STEM
My Dad. From as long as my childhood memory serves, my father was always sharing with me the science behind the vegetables we grew in our backyard, how the animals we kept as pets were born, lived and died (we had a lot of guinea pigs), how gravity worked to keep my feet on the ground, and other really interesting science stuff that at the time was fascinating and intriguing, but way beyond my child mind’s comprehension. It did stir in me a quest to understand how things worked though, and particularly at a molecular level. When I discovered Biochemistry, I was hooked.
Was working in IP always part of your career plan, or was it something that presented to you during your journey?
After I completed my PhD, I briefly dabbled in research on the genetics of bore taint in pigs, while trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life. It was then, by chance, I bumped into an old friend from Uni who thought I might be interested in a career as a patent attorney. I took up the challenge, switching my career path from research to embark on yet further study. After 5 years of study, working as a technical assistant, and giving birth to my two children, I completed my qualifications and registered as a patent and trade mark attorney.
Which women leaders did you look up to as you were growing up and why?
In the field of science, I would have to say, Marie Curie and Roselyn Franklin. However, authors such as Marilyn French, Margaret Atwood and Marion Zimmer Bradley (just to name a few), created a mindset that being female made anything and everything possible. In Western Australia in the 1980s to 1990s, there were very few women that were lecturers or science teachers, so I guess there were no real role models in science for me.
Who do you look up to now and why?
I admire and am inspired by so many women in Australia – across all industries, technologies and politics. There are too many to name, which I believe is a good thing.
How does your science degree benefit you in your role as a patent attorney?
Having a qualification in science gives me the ability to think outside the box. There are always more ways than one to look at an idea or problem, and being able to apply a flexible thought process to solve the problem is critical.
What role do you think we all need to play in supporting a greater uptake of women in STEM?
Supporting women across the sciences has always been a passion of mine, and something I see as important to engage future generations of women in STEM. As someone who has worked in different, yet related industries, I am always happy to share my advice on carving out a career in STEM. With somewhat daunting statistics regarding the diversity of the field, it’s important to me to be visible and approachable, and I encourage other women working in related industries to do the same.
Is there any advice you would like to share with women embarking on a STEM career?
From my experience, hard work and patience will get you to where you’d like to be. Sometimes a bit of good luck helps too! Stay connected and up to date with technology and take an opportunity when it presents itself. You never know where you will end up.
What do you hope to see from women in STEM of the future?
Always wanting to learn, and never losing the passion for science.
Get Connected
+ 08 9216 5133
+ linda.kennaugh@wrays.com.au
+ in/linda-kennaugh