Pharmaceutical Chemistry Alumnus Tributes his USciences Degree for Opening his Career to a World of Endless Possibilities

Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.

Stephen Seach, Jr., PhC’17, JD, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University (“Hofstra Law”), credits his experience at University of the Sciences for opening him up to endless career opportunities and preparing him for law school.

“My degree from USciences sprung me into a world of connections and conversations,” he said. “Adding ‘Pharmaceutical’ in front of an already uncommon chemistry undergraduate degree raised eyebrows and peaked interest at law school.”

After graduating from USciences, he matriculated to Hofstra Law as one of only a handful of science undergraduate majors in his class. While at Hofstra Law, Stephen focused his studies on intellectual property and took courses in patent law, copyright and trademark law, antitrust, and sports law. He served as the President of Hofstra’s Intellectual Property Law Association.

“My degree from USciences enabled me to sit for and pass the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Registration Examination, also known as the ‘Patent Bar,’” he said. “To pass this exam, applicants must demonstrate that they possess the requisite scientific and technical training. My 30 plus semester hours in chemistry courses at USciences fulfilled the requisite scientific requirements and prepared me to successfully pass!”

Seach works as an Associate Attorney at Servilla Whitney LLC in Iselin, New Jersey, where he focuses on trademark matters and patent preparation and prosecution in the areas of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, biotechnologies, and diagnostics. Seach said he uses his undergraduate education on a regular basis at his job.

“I have an incredible foundation from USciences, and it helps me greatly for the topics that I encounter at my job. This strong foundation has enabled me to grow further and build on my education,” said Seach, who hopes to one day make partner as a senior patent attorney.

When he first visited USciences’ campus he was enamored with the opportunities available.

“The campus had the best of both worlds to me,” he said. “It wasn’t too crowded or loud, but was also a few subway stops away from experiencing everything Philadelphia has to offer.”

During his time at USciences, he was active on campus including as a member of the American Chemical Society and Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.

“I keep in regular touch with my former professors and some of my classmates,” said Seach. He explained the family dynamic of the Chemistry department and the wonderful experiences he had throughout the years.

Seach attributes much of his success to his professors in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department as well as those in the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. “USciences faculty are truly among the best at their craft,” he said.

Lia Vas, PhD, supported and challenged Seach to make possible his ability to complete a minor in mathematics.

“I have not met another person who loves what they do more than Dr. Vas does. Her excitability and love for math is contagious,” he said.

Throughout Seach’s undergraduate studies, he not only made meaningful relationships, but also strengthened his professional skills for post-graduation use.

Seach stresses the importance of having passion for what you do. “When you love what you do, you don’t want to ever stop.”