Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union,
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Wilson Sonsini is a proud supporter of San Diego State Division of Research and Innovation. On October 9, 2026, San Diego State University and the National Academy of Inventors will host an informative session for researchers interested in innovation, translation, and spinouts.
Nguyen Pham, Of Counsel in the Technology Transactions practice at Wilson Sonsini, will lead a discussion on translating academic innovation into successful university spinouts. Wilson Sonsini partner Lori Westin will lead a workshop sharing practical insights on intellectual property and legal considerations for researchers advancing toward partnership and startups.
Melissa Schmidt
melissa.schmidt@wsgr.com
Nguyen Pham is Of Counsel in the technology transactions practice at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Nguyen advises life sciences and technology companies on legal and business issues associated with the development, manufacture, and commercialization of their products, services, and intellectual property assets. Her practice focuses on representing public and private companies, including start-ups, in complex partnering and licensing arrangements, mergers and acquisitions, spin-outs, collaboration agreements, license agreements with academic and nonprofit institutions, research and development agreements, clinical trial agreements, and manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements.
Dr. Lorelei (Lori) Westin is a partner in the San Diego office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Lori prepares and prosecutes patent applications before the USPTO, covering therapeutic drugs, formulations, treatment methods, and diagnostics, and manages global patent portfolios to protect innovations throughout the product lifecycle. She has extensive experience in patent prosecution and litigation for companies in the animal health industry, representing clients across veterinary pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and animal nutrition.