Our Team
Director
Dr. Bassem Awad is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Area of Concentration in Intellectual Property, Information and Technology (IPIT) at the Faculty of Law. Bassem teaches courses on intellectual Property (IP) Law, International Protection of IP, and Law and Disruptive Technologies. He is also a Head Tutor and Professor at the Academy of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva.
Prior to joining Western, Bassem was the Deputy Director of IP Law and Innovation at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and served for several years as a Judge and Head of Court at the Appeal Courts of Egypt and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Professor Awad has remarkable experience in intellectual property law, technology and innovation policies. He worked in both common and civil law systems and conducted research projects for international and regional organizations in Africa, Europe and Canada.
Student Directors
Gurnoor Brar
Gurnoor (she/her) is in her second year of the JD program at Western Law. She obtained her Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in molecular biology from York University. Gurnoor first became interested in intellectual property (IP) in graduate school. While working as a biology laboratory instructor, she witnessed first-hand the challenges that academics and scientists face while protecting their intellectual property. As a scientist and law student, Gurnoor understands how innovation transforms our lives and has a genuine appreciation for the inventor’s journey. She has a keen interest in the regulatory framework of emerging technologies in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Outside of law school, she enjoys spending time with her family, nature walks, and collecting Star Wars/NASA themed LEGO sets.
Summer Coordinator
Savannah Mathieu
Savannah is excited to return to WIPILC as Summer Coordinator after a fulfilling year as a Case worker. She has just completed her first year of the JD program at Western Law. Prior to law school, she earned her Honours Bachelor of Health Studies from York University and a diploma in Justice Administration Studies from Seneca College. Her work experience includes the Ontario and Superior Courts of Justice.
Her time as a case worker has led Savannah to develop an interest in brand protection and trademarks. She is interested in various industries that intersect with IP, such as fashion, entertainment and gaming. In her spare time, Savannah enjoys attending fitness classes, watching reality competition shows and spending time in the sun.
Summer Case Workers
Andrei Corlaci
Andrei is in his first year of the JD program at Western Law. He earned his Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, double majoring in Psychology and International Relations. Andrei’s interest in intellectual property law stems from his extensive undergraduate research experience in the neuroscience and psychology laboratories, where he recognized the importance of protecting innovation in technology, scientific research, and healthcare. He is particularly interested in IP issues related to privacy, emerging technologies, healthcare innovation, and advancements within the automotive sector. Outside of law school, Andrei enjoys travelling, reading, playing the piano, and playing tennis.
Ashley Kivlichan
Ashley is a first-year JD student at Western Law. Before starting her legal journey, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at Queen’s University, specializing in Pharmacology and Toxicology as well as the Social and Physical Determinants of Health. Ashley's passion for intellectual property and innovation was ignited during her undergraduate studies through her exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and clinical trials. Eager to explore various fields within intellectual property, she is particularly motivated to support small creators and businesses. In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, cooking, and taking walks with her dog.
Diana McCorquodale
Diana is going into her second year of the JD program at Western Law. Prior to law school, Diana earned her Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from McGill University. She developed an interest in intellectual property law and patent protection after spending her undergraduate thesis working with oligonucleotide therapeutics. In her free time, Diana enjoys travelling, trying new food, and collecting records.
Makayla Cherrett
Makayla recently completed her first year of the JD program at Western Law and holds an undergraduate degree in Consumer Behavior from Western University. Prior to law school, she worked with a range of non-profits and start-ups, amplifying their impact through strategic storytelling, branding, and content creation. As a creator, Makayla has produced several podcast series and recently hosted a radio segment as a volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada. Makayla is particularly interested in the intersection of intellectual property, marketing, and digital media, and looks forward to helping brands and creators protect their ideas.
Serena Sengupta
Serena recently finished her first year of the JD program at Western Law. Before beginning law school, she earned her Honours Bachelor of Science majoring in Life Sciences and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University. Serena’s interest in intellectual property first arose while working as a Research Assistant on a study investigating the COVID-19 vaccine, which sparked her curiosity about IP protections for biomedical innovations such as vaccines. Her interest was later confirmed after taking an Intellectual Property course as part of her Certificate in Law studies. Outside of law school, Serena enjoys pottery, going on walks, and cheering on her favourite hockey teams!
Stephanie Berberian
Stephanie is in her first year of the JD program at Western Law. She earned her Honours Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Neuroscience from McMaster University as well as a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences from Western University. Her interest for intellectual property stemmed from a course taken in her Master’s on IP and the Commercialization of Scientific Technology. She has a strong interest in knowledge translation from scientists to the public, working with novel research, and advocating for inventors. Outside of law school, Stephanie enjoys reading and travelling.
