Michelle Bugbee G’92/L’00 has built a career that fuses science, strategy, and service. Her journey from chemical engineering to patent law is a powerful example of how a mid-career pivot can lead not only to professional fulfillment but to lasting impact on future generations.

Bugbee began her career as a chemical engineer, drawn by a passion for problem-solving and a practical eye for opportunity. From her early days in a traditionally male-dominated field to her current role as a distinguished patent attorney, she has consistently broken barriers—paving the way for others to follow.

After carving out a successful technical career, Bugbee made a bold mid-career pivot into the complex world of law. Today, she is a seasoned patent attorney whose unique combination of technical expertise and legal acumen allows her to bridge innovation and intellectual property (IP) with remarkable insight.

A Foundation in Engineering

Growing up, Bugbee did not dream of becoming a lawyer. Her strengths lay in math and science, and after attending a Women in Engineering program at Stevens Institute of Technology, she chose Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) for its intimate class sizes and strong STEM focus.

“I liked the small class sizes and the focus on applied problem-solving,” she said. At WPI, she earned a degree in chemical engineering—driven by both a love for chemistry and the career opportunities it promised.

Following graduation, she thrived in her early career, holding roles such as quality manager and engineering supervisor. Yet, after a decade, she found herself at a professional crossroads. “I realized I didn’t enjoy managing people,” she shared. “And I couldn’t see myself doing the same thing for another 30 years.”

The Turning Point

During this period of reflection, law emerged as a new possibility. She had always been intrigued by the field, but like many mid-career professionals, she initially assumed it was out of reach—too expensive, too risky, too time-consuming. That changed once she began researching scholarships, student loans, and financial aid options.

She took the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and enrolled in the juris doctor (JD) program at Western New England University (WNE) School of Law, where she had previously completed her MBA. “Law was a whole new way of thinking—less about finding one right answer and more about building strong arguments from different perspectives,” she explained. Expressing the struggles she faced transitioning from a field that was so black and white to one surrounded in grey area, Bugbee credits WNE—and particularly Professor Amy Cohen—with helping her develop the intellectual flexibility to succeed.

It was during this time that she discovered patent law, a field that perfectly blended her engineering background with her growing legal skills. “I realized patent law was the perfect hybrid of my engineering experience and my interest in law,” she stated.

This newfound path allowed her to stay connected to science and innovation while contributing from a legal standpoint. Early roles as a patent agent and later as an attorney with companies like General Electric (GE) gave her invaluable, hands-on experience.

Today, Bugbee is U.S. patent counsel for Stamicarbon, a Netherlands-based company in the fertilizer and chemical industry. There, she collaborate with inventors and other IP professionals and handles the U.S. patent prosecution. “I still get to engage with science—but now I can also advocate for it,” she reflected.

Championing Mentorship in a Specialized Field

Bugbee’s journey has sparked a passion for mentorship and advocacy, particularly in the underrepresented world of patent law. Her experiences have deepened her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in a field where women remain significantly underrepresented.

Through mentorship and philanthropy, Bugbee actively supports students at WNE University School of Law and beyond. She began by volunteering with Patent Pathways^® which helps diverse candidates become patent agents, and contributes financially to ensure students are not held back by cost. “Many don’t even realize this career path exists. Awareness is key,” she noted.

She also collaborates with organizations like the Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Association specifically participating on the Women in IP Committee, where she helps to develop tools that companies can use to increase diversity in innovation and leadership. Having served on both a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and a leadership committee, her mentorship extends to law students, aspiring patent agents, and especially to women and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

Giving Back

Though Bugbee’s career is rooted in technical and legal expertise, her greatest impact may lie in her commitment to others. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I received,” she stated. “Now that I’m in a position to give back, I feel it’s my responsibility to help others—especially students who may not know that careers like this exist.”

Her connection to WNE University School of Law runs deep. It was there that she found not only a rigorous education but a supportive community with mentors who helped shape her career. Today, she gives back—both financially and through service—so that future students can access the same transformative experience.

“Law school elevated my career and helped me find fulfillment. I want others to have that opportunity without being held back by financial barriers,” she said.

She also serves on the School of Law Dean’s Advisory Council, where she advocates for initiatives like the six-year law and engineering track. In her view, the program is a powerful but underutilized pipeline into patent law. “Mentorship and philanthropy are how we change the pipeline. It’s not enough to succeed—we have to bring others with us.”

Resilience, Boundaries, and Leadership

Bugbee’s path has not been without its obstacles. As a woman in male-dominated fields—first engineering, then patent law— she often found herself as the only one in the room.

She recalls having to assert herself repeatedly to be heard and respected. Over time, she learned the importance of boundaries and choosing the right environments for her. She recalls turning down a travel opportunity to a country where restrictions on mobility and independence didn’t align with her values. “It just wasn’t a good fit for me,” she said. “Sometimes, saying no is how you stand up for yourself.”

Now, leading by example, she has found her voice and speaks out about systemic issues, including gender disparities in both legal leadership and patent filings. “Early in your career, you worry about consequences,” she said. “But with experience comes confidence. I’ve learned to speak up.”

Her approach to leadership is grounded in principle, clarity, and courage.

A Legacy of Impact

Whether guiding a student through the patent bar, advocating for diversity, or mentoring young attorneys, Bugbee’s influence stretches far beyond job titles and courtrooms.

Through philanthropy, mentorship, and a quiet but powerful leadership style, she is shaping the future of patent law—making it more inclusive, more accessible, and more human.

Her advice to young professionals? “Your first job isn’t your last,” she said. “Be open to change. Be open to growth.”

Michelle Bugbee’s story is proof that reinvention is not only possible, but it can also be transformative. And when paired with a spirit of service, it becomes something even greater: a legacy.