Science Heroes Home Page > Jon Reali

Jon C. Reali - Patent Attorney

OMSI: Where did you grow up?

JR: West Chester, PA; Chillicothe, OH; St. Charles, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; Vancouver, WA.

OMSI: As a child, did you have any hobbies, interests, or experiences that helped prepare you for success in science?

JR: I always enjoyed building models. As I grew older, I preferred functional models like rockets and remote controlled cars.

I further participated in a variety of selective programs in elementary school that targeted young students interested in science. We were exposed experientially to computers, physics, chemistry, and engineering problem solving beyond that common to elementary education.

OMSI: Please tell us about a mentor or teacher who helped to inspire your interest in science.

JR: Though a variety of people have inspired my interest in science, two individuals had the largest impact:

1. Rick Brudzynski - Rick solidified my interest in science and choice to study engineering during a high school apprenticeship at Tektronix. It was my first exposure to an electronics manufacturing environment and to engineering beyond the classroom.
2. Howard Stone - Professor Stone was my freshman physics professor at Princeton. He possessed a unique combination of genius and sarcasm that transformed a required freshman engineering class into one of my most memorable educational experiences.

OMSI: What is your dream? What do you most hope to accomplish in your career?

JR: To ensure that intellectual property has value - both to the scientific progress it supports and to the leading-edge companies that bring the scientific progress to the consumer.

OMSI: How do you feel about the current state of science education in the U.S.?

JR: While different students learn differently, I believe that any educational program that provides hands-on science experience is the best. Unfortunately few school currently offer such co-opportunity. I further believe, however, that even the most scientifically oriented student must explore a broad liberal arts education.

OMSI: What do you like to do in your free time?

JR: Trap shooting, fishing, motorcycling, movies, and socialization common to a 27-year-young professional.

OMSI: As a student, did you participate in a science fair? If so, please tell us about your project, and your experience participating in the fair.

JR: I participated in multiple science fairs. My projects included rudimentary experimentation with digital logic circuits, an analysis of drinking water quality in an industrial setting, and the effects of low frequency electromagnetic radiation on plant germination.

OMSI: Did you have to overcome any obstacles on your path to becoming a professional scientist?

JR: 8 years of sleep deprivation resulting from the demands of engineering, law, and business schools.

Understanding that viewing life from a purely scientific perspective is unhealthy.

OMSI: Who were the people you looked up to as heroes in your field?

JR: James Sturm, Stephen Forrest, Sigurd Wagner, and George Sherer - all Princeton University professors who specialize in electronic and opto-electronic materials and semiconductor processing techniques.

OMSI: Do you have any advice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in science?

JR: Do not forget to balance science and engineering with liberal arts - being well-rounded brings balance to life.

OMSI: When did you realize that you wanted to be an electrical engineer?

JR: During my apprenticeship at Tektronix with mentor Rick Brudzynski.

OMSI: Please tell us about your educational background.

JR: Oregon Episcopal School - High School
Princeton University - Bachelor of Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering with a concentration in electronic and opto-electronic materials
University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business, Master of Business Administration
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Law School, Juris Doctor

OMSI: Please tell us about a project you're working on now.

JR: A patent application for advanced memory materials and processing techniques for a major semiconductor company.

OMSI: How does the research / work you do effect people's everyday lives?

JR: The public policy (and Constitutional origin) behind a patent is to exchange a limited monopoly for public disclosure of an invention. The goal is to promote overall scientific development by encouraging inventors to learn from and improve upon the work of their peers. My work enables that exchange.

OMSI: Does your work or research require you to travel?

JR: Not often. Though I have clients worldwide, I operate via telephone, email, and facsimile.

OMSI: What do you like most about your work?

JR: Working with both technical experts at leading high-technology companies and solo inventors on a vast variety of topics.

OMSI: Is there a scientific issue or topic outside of your immediate field that you are particularly interested in?

JR: Medicine / anatomy / physiology - while I have no aspirations to be a doctor, I am fascinated by the human body as the perfect mechanical, electrical, and chemical machine.