One of the secrets to Express Search’s quality results is our research staff, consisting of professionals like Elizabeth Shaw whose expertise in Clearance research is in demand.In the following interview, she discusses the research benefits of a varied scientific and professional background.

ES: Briefly describe your research experience.

Shaw: My studies were in the hard sciences - biology and chemistry - with years of professional development and focus in related mechanical and electrical devices.  My eclectic searching career began in the Patent Office where I was placed in the Animal Husbandry unit as well as Dental and Toiletries. Animal Husbandry required me to search in diverse classes (e.g. robotics, , conveyors,  chemical compositions, etc).  I eventually moved to Plant Husbandry where I covered additional technical areas (e.g. fertilizers, irrigation systems, compost compositions, etc).  In the private sector, I became a sort of catch-all searcher due to my range of technical expertise.  These diverse research and professional experiences have given me a unique background and basis for my searching.

ES:  How has research in the mechanical arts versus the chemical arts changed in the past few years?

Shaw: Searching in the mechanical arts now seems to be either simplified or complicated.  The devices are now either very simple (e.g. an improved trash bag or baby bottle) or much more complex (e.g. a diaper bag with speakers and phone capabilities).

Searching the chemical arts has remained more consistent.  The chemical compositions are either as simple or as complex as they have always been despite new uses for older compositions.  The main changes in chemical research are the techniques to create new compositions, such as computer models, which is becoming more widely used, and technologies which produce better equipment faster, such as compound-making robots.

ES: How does your expertise in both the mechanical and chemical arts assist in research techniques?

Shaw: I believe my mixed background in researching allows me to approach the search creatively from several different angles.  Chemical searching can be rigid as searches are conducted for chemical names, derivatives, or other related names that are well known with little deviation.

In the mechanical arts, one item may be known by many common words.  I use multiple word/synonym searching techniques with all my searches, mechanical and chemical, to the extent that is possible.  This couples the chemical name with other words and versions of the words in search of the related chemical technique, method, additive, etc. This uncovers elements unique to one patent while still bringing in the widest range of results possible.