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Steve Marquis, B.S., Chemical Engineer and Senior Technology Transfer and Patent Specialist, Technology Transfer Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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1. I chose this career because...
2. My typical workday involves...
3. What I like best/least about my work …
4. My career goal...
5. When I'm not working, I like to...
6. Following a unique path…
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1. I chose this career because...
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Steve Marquis' high school graduation photo.
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I chose to become a chemical engineer, because I have always been curious about how things work and especially how chemicals are made and function. In college, I started out in pharmacy school, but after one year transferred to a chemical engineering program.
I am currently a senior technology transfer and patent specialist with the Technology Transfer Branch at the NCI. I choose this position after working as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. As a patent examiner, I was responsible for examining patent applications and making decisions for granting U.S. patents. My current position allows me to combine my work experience and engineering skills with my interest in pharmaceuticals to obtain patents for the NCI.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland at College Park, Maryland
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2. My typical workday involves...
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Steve spends time at his desk working as a patent advisor to the Technology Review Group at the NIH.
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My typical workday revolves around the duties I perform in my various roles as:
- Coordinator and Advisor – I serve as a group coordinator and patent advisor to the Technology Review Group (TRG). The TRG is a group of NCI scientists from both the extramural and intramural programs that review the scientific merits of inventions that originate from various laboratories at the NCI. Each month the TRG meets to discuss the new and currently pending inventions. I am responsible for advising the TRG on patent matters.
- Royalty Reviewer – I review the monthly royalty income for proper distribution to the NCI and the inventors. I also field questions for the scientists regarding royalty income.
- Database Administrator – I am responsible for the administration of the office’s unique database which tracks all NCI patents, licenses, and various technology transfer agreements that are negotiated within the office.
- Teacher – I am responsible for teaching new staff members about the office’s responsibilities for patent protection and royalty income. In general, I am available to staff as a mentor on patent issues. I also regularly instruct staff on the use of the database, especially when new features are added.
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3. What I like best/least about my work …
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As the database administrator for his office, Steve Marquis provides regular updates on system changes to his colleagues.
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What I like best about my work is the opportunity to see the development of cutting-edge cancer treatments, whether they are coming out of the NCI laboratories, or developed through collaboration with an outside party. It is really fulfilling to see a technology or invention that I reviewed, such as a new drug, become a useful patented product for researchers or clinicians.
I also like the fact that this career is a marriage of law and science, which I feel is unique and challenging.
What I like least about my work is a decrease of daily contact with scientists. As I move into the senior level and become more of an advisor, I do not have as much day-to-day contact with the scientific community and the inventors – an aspect I really enjoy.
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4. My career goal...
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Steve Marquis mentors a colleague on patent issues.
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My career goal is to further expand my current position. I feel that I have reached the top, as far as advancement. My supervisor and I are in the process of developing goals that will support the challenges of the office and enhance my career as well.
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5. When I'm not working, I like to...
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Steve Marquis enjoying his free time on the ski slopes.
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When I’m not working, I am active in my church. I play drums in a small “praise group” and serve as an adult leader with the church’s youth group. I enjoy riding my personal watercraft (SeaDoo) on the Chesapeake Bay and regional rivers. I go snow skiing at least once a year in Colorado, Utah, or California, and would like to explore new places to ski. I lift weights at least three times a week, and enjoy bicycling. I like traveling in the U.S. and going out to dinner with my wife and our friends.
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6. Following a unique path…
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Looking back, my career path was unique. Just as I finished my chemical engineering degree, the petroleum industry dropped. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office was about the only place to find work, due to the economy. I had always had an interest in patents and enjoyed doing literature research for my senior projects. Luckily, the circumstances worked out great. The combination of my career choice, the job market, and my interests, lead me to the right place at the right time.
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