Margaret C. Harrington, BSME

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Boeing in the Boeing Defense, Space and Security business unit, working on contracts with the US Air Force.  I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Dayton, where I became fascinated with how my engineering degree can be used in different industries.  I completed internships in electric power transmission, medical devices, and aerospace applications.

At HFZ, I continue to use my engineering background to understand the innovations of our clients and protect their rights to their intellectual property.

Kate I. Chwistek, MSME, BSME

Before joining the team at HFZ, I studied mechanical engineering at Northern Illinois University. A highlight of my time at Northern was my senior design project, for which my team and I designed and manufactured a wearable exoskeleton arm with lift assist capabilities. Additionally, I interned at EN Engineering to assist in designing pipeline systems for transportation of natural gas. After completing my undergraduate degree, I continued my education at Northern to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in dynamic systems and control. As a graduate research assistant, I worked on analyzing behavioral patterns of complex systems in nature, then capturing those behavioral patterns in a mathematical model. Ultimately, my graduate career culminated in a thesis paper in which I modeled the response of fish schools to a simulated predator.

Graduate research sparked my interest in learning about the new and novel, and ultimately led me to pursue a career in patent law at HFZ. At HFZ, I am consistently exposed to new ideas and technologies across all areas of industry. By helping to protect the intellectual property of some of industry’s brightest minds, I hope to further cultivate a culture of innovation and discovery that keeps the world moving forward.

Michael T. Paull, BSME

I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University as part of the five-year Cooperative Engineering Education Program, alternating traditional coursework with hands-on experience in industry. My interest in patent law blossomed from my own experience inventing new products, and from my desire to continually learn about the latest technologies. I came to HFZ after working for more than a decade as a mechanical engineer in product development and manufacturing for the automotive and construction industries. My industry experience taught me firsthand about the innovation process and the value of attaining strong intellectual property protections.

At HFZ, I strive to help our clients meet their business goals through prosecuting high-quality patents.