John Pritchard
About John Pritchard
John Pritchard serves as the Director of IP Strategy and Senior Patent Agent at Benson Hill, bringing over a decade of experience in intellectual property and scientific research. His background includes roles at Monsanto Company, Bayer Crop Science, and various academic institutions, where he has developed expertise in plant breeding, genetics, and microbiology.
Current Role at Benson Hill
John Pritchard serves as the Director of IP Strategy and Senior Patent Agent at Benson Hill since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing intellectual property strategies and managing patent-related matters. His work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the company's innovations are protected and aligned with its long-term goals.
Previous Experience at Monsanto Company
Prior to his current position, John Pritchard worked at Monsanto Company as a Patent Scientist from 2008 to 2018. During his ten years in the Greater St. Louis Area, he contributed to the development and management of patent portfolios, enhancing the company's intellectual property framework.
Academic Background and Education
John Pritchard holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also earned a Master of Science (MS) in the same field from the same institution. Additionally, he completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Microbiology from Montana State University-Bozeman and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Modern Languages - Spanish from the same university.
Professional Experience in Academia
John Pritchard has held academic positions, including serving as an Adjunct Faculty Biologist at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater from 2004 to 2007. His role involved teaching and mentoring students in biological sciences. He also worked as a Laboratory Technician at the University of Montana during two separate periods, gaining practical laboratory experience.
Expertise in Intellectual Property and Collaboration
With over 10 years of experience, John Pritchard has developed a strong ability to influence and guide organizations in addressing new challenges. He has served as a liaison among researchers, business leaders, attorneys, and government agencies, facilitating effective communication and collaboration to support organizational objectives.