Choate, Hall & Stewart

Dr. Melissa Adams uses her multi-disciplinary understanding of the life sciences, patent law, and strategic intellectual property issues to help a wide range of early-stage to established biotechnology clients to grow and protect the value of their strategic IP portfolios. Focused on patent prosecution and portfolio development, intellectual property due diligence, and intellectual property-related strategic transactions, Melissa has particular expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals including biologics, cell therapy, gene therapy, gene editing, immunology, and microbiology.

Melissa’s Ph.D. research at Harvard University focused on utilizing next-generation sequencing and molecular biology to study energy-generating metabolisms in deep sea microorganisms. She has extensive scientific expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

Melissa also has experience as a Scientific Editor. She reviewed and revised research publications from non-native English speakers in a broad range of subject areas including cell biology, chemistry, genetics, neuroscience, physiology, and systems biology.

Suffolk University Law School JD, 2020 Intellectual Property Law Concentration with Distinction

Harvard University PhD, 2014, Microbial Sciences Fellow Biology

Stanford University MS, 2007 Biology

North Carolina State University BS, 2004, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa Biology

North Carolina State University BA, 2004, summa cum laude Journalism