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 is in her third 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 has spent her summers working at a national intellectual property law boutique, contributing to a wide range of patent, trademark, and transactional matters. She has a keen interest in the regulatory framework of emerging technologies in artificial intelligence. Outside of law school, she enjoys spending time with her family and collecting Star Wars/NASA themed LEGO sets.
Savannah Mathieu
Savannah is in her second year of the JD program at Western Law and has been involved with WIPILC since starting law school. She is particularly interested in copyright, trademarks and brand protection, and enjoys exploring how creative industries like fashion, entertainment and gaming intersect with IP. Prior to law school, Savannah earned her Honours Bachelor of Health Studies from York University and a diploma in Justice Administration Studies from Seneca College. Her work experience includes court reporting at the Ontario and Superior Courts of Justice. In her spare time, Savannah enjoys attending fitness classes, watching reality competition shows and reading fiction.
Case Managers
Arshdeep Thuhan
Arshdeep is in her third year of the JD program at Western law. She obtained both her Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from York University. Arshdeep developed an interest in intellectual property law after participating in pharmaceutical drug research during her graduate studies, which exposed her to the legal challenges faced by researchers. In her free time, she loves hiking with her dog and staying active.
Hannah Jones
Hannah is in her second year of the JD program at Western Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University. Her interest in intellectual property law began during her time at Queen’s, where she explored issues of IP protection in the pharmaceutical sector. Through the Certificate in Law program, she deepened her understanding of the intersection between science and law, which sparked her legal journey. Outside of her studies, Hannah enjoys spending time with her dog and travelling.
Nadia Fyfe
Nadia is a third-year JD student at Western Law and holds an Honours Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of Ottawa. Her interest in intellectual property (IP) first emerged while working as a resident care attendant, where she gained firsthand insight into the importance of innovation in health care. Nadia’s passion for IP grew through her time as a Caseworker at the Clinic, where she enjoyed providing accessible legal information that supported local creators. She deepened this interest during her 2L summer at a business boutique firm, where she contributed to trademark, copyright, and corporate matters that supported clients’ brand protection and growth strategies. Outside of law, Nadia enjoys playing piano and golfing with friends and family.
Stephanie Berberian
Stephanie is in her second 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.
Senior Case Workers
Andrei Corlaci
Andrei is in his second year of the JD program at Western Law and is excited to return to WIPILC as a Senior Caseworker. 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 traveling, reading, playing the piano, and playing tennis.
Cecily Zeppetella
Cecily is in her second year of the JD program at Western Law. Prior to law school, she earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Media and Communications from Brock University and Law Clerk Certificate from Niagara College. During her undergraduate degree, she focused her research on the intersection of legal regulation and emerging technologies including AI and algorithms used for social media and marketing. Cecily is also a Co-Founder of an IP-centric start-up in the construction industry with patented innovative safety gear for working at heights. With a goal of redefining the standards of safety for blue-collared workers through IP, she has grown a passion for how other entrepreneurs can create IP strategy, take innovation to market, and leverage IP to fuel business growth.
Diana McCorquodale
Diana is in 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 (she/her) is a second-year JD student at Western Law, eager to return to WIPILC after a rewarding summer as a Caseworker. She holds a degree in Consumer Behavior from Western University and has experience supporting start-ups in developing digital marketing strategies. Her interests include privacy, brand, and copyright protection in the digital world. Outside the clinic, Makayla volunteers with PBSC’s Pro Bono Podcast and stays active through soccer, weight training, yoga, and hiking.
1L Case Workers
Elisa Dumaski
Elisa is in her first year of the JD program at Western Law. She earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University. Before law school Elisa worked as an engineering student in manufacturing and as an engineer-in-training in commercial construction. Her interest in intellectual property is particularly focused on innovations in energy and manufacturing.
Maayan Rotberg
Maayan is a first year JD student at Western law. Prior to law school, he earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, with a double major in the History & Philosophy of Science and Technology and in Book & Media studies. He then completed his MA at the University of Toronto, which was funded by the CGS-M award (SSHRC). His interest in IP emerged from his research experience in the history of technology, through which he developed a passion for examining the interaction between technological innovation and the law. Outside of law school, he enjoys playing musical instruments, solving crosswords, spending time in nature and reading.
Melvin Maroon
Melvin is in his first year of the JD program at Western Law. He obtained his Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Neuroscience from Western University. Melvin was initially intrigued by Intellectual Property and Patent Litigation when observing disputes over mRNA vaccinations at the culmination of the pandemic. More personally, creating novel touchscreen tasks for his preclinical work, Melvin began to ask how other scientists can legally replicate or utilize his experimental methodologies. This intersection between science, innovation and the law is the heart of Melvin’s drive in the legal field. In his spare time, Melvin enjoys reading fictional novels, playing the guitar, and playing tennis.
Paul Drakos
Paul is a first-year student in the JD program at Western Law. Prior to starting law school, he earned his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University. His first exposure to intellectual property law was during a course in his final year of undergraduate studies where he designed a wearable technology to help measure and improve a player’s golf swing. Working closely with his professor, who himself was an innovator, he witnessed the vital role of intellectual property law in supporting new research and technology. He looks forward to expanding his knowledge across the diverse landscape of intellectual property law and is passionate about helping clients protect their creative and innovative works. In his free time Paul is an avid Formula 1 fan and enjoys travelling, skiing, and playing golf.
