Directors Gillentine and Nannenga-Combs Deemed “Women Worth Watching® in STEM”

Washington, D.C. (June 29, 2021) – Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is pleased to announce that Directors Marsha Rose Gillentine, Ph.D. and Bonnie W. Nannenga-Combs, Ph.D. have been named 2021 “Women Worth Watching® in STEM” by Profiles in Diversity Journal. The editors of this third annual issue of Profiles in Diversity Journal describe the recognized women as “high-performing, purpose-driven leaders who create value for other women and for the organizations where they contribute their talents.”

Gillentine, a director in Sterne Kessler’s Biotechnology & Chemical and Trial & Appellate Practice Groups, shares in her profile how she teaches science in everyday settings to young girls like her daughter. “If we nurture girls’ curiosity for STEM disciplines, as opposed to stigmatizing it or treating their scientific classes at school like a burden, they will feel more inspired to explore STEM careers when they grow up,” she said. She cites the need for more female mentors as a key component to moving women forward in STEM – “so that other women in their specific fields can see themselves succeeding and learn from their mentors’ experiences, both positive and negative,” she explained. Gillentine earned her J.D. from George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, cum laude. She received her Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her B.S., cum laude, in chemistry from Berry College.

In her profile, Nannenga-Combs, also a director in the firm’s Biotechnology & Chemical Practice Group, highlights the importance of female mentorship as well as early career advancement opportunities for women in STEM. “Gaining valuable experience early in your career can lead to advancement opportunities, the development of niche expertise, and recognition as an expert,” she said. Regarding the prevalence of remote working and the flexibility it offers, she said “I hope the new norm will provide a more even playing field as women take advantage of these changes.” Nannenga-Combs earned her Ph.D. in molecular & cellular biology at Baylor College of Medicine. She received her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, cum laude, and a B.A. in biology from Hope College, cum laude.

To view the full digital publication, please click here. Gillentine’s and Nannenga-Combs’ profiles can be found on page 72 and page 73, respectively.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

Based in Washington, D.C. and renowned for more than four decades for dedication to the protection, transfer, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. Its team of attorneys, registered patent agents, students, and technical specialists include some of the country’s most respected practitioners of IP law tackling innovations across a broad spectrum of industries. The firm’s practitioners hold over 50 masters and over 50 doctorate degrees in science or engineering and represent Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, inventors, venture capital firms, and universities in a client service driven environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating. Visit the firm online at sternekessler.com.