Minxi Rao, B.S. 2010
Patent Agent, Medler Ferro Woodhouse & Mills – McLean, VA
2010 Major: Chemistry
How has being a Chemistry graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"Duke opened up so many doors for me, academically and professionally. I've been able to work in a lab since my second semester at Duke, which greatly developed my research skills. Due to the smaller class sizes, I was also able to develop a rapport with several professors, which helped with my graduate school recommendations."
What advice would you give students in Duke's Chemistry programs?
"Don't hesitate to reach out to your professors for help, whether it's for the class you're in right now or for career advice. Be open-minded about career paths - I once thought that med school was the end-all-be-all goal for my life, but I ended up doing a PhD and am now in patent law, and I definitely feel fulfilled in my career."
