Nicole Mastrangelo
Nicole Mastrangelo is the IP Counsel at the Broad Institute, a premier biomedical and genomic research center affiliated with Harvard, MIT, and five Boston‑area hospitals. With a unique blend of scientific and legal expertise, Nicole plays a pivotal role in protecting and stewarding breakthrough innovations.
Originally trained as a neuroscientist, Nicole’s first exposure to legal frameworks came through organizing lab‑animal studies under IACUC protocols. Drawing on that early experience, she pursued a Master’s in Legal Studies instead of the more common MBA route, before earning her J.D.—solidifying her pathway into IP law.
In her current role, Nicole supports a highly diverse range of technologies—from assays and chemical compounds to biologics—by embedding herself within the scientific teams she supports, attending laboratory meetings, educating scientists, and providing worldwide patent prosecution strategies and drafting from early research and development, through late-stage clinical trials, and market authorization. She leverages her classroom experience teaching an IP survey course for non‑lawyers, ensuring her explanations are clear and accessible, free of legalese. She is able to leverage her experience teaching law students and lawyers pursuing a master’s degree to train young lawyers and business colleagues.
Nicole is committed to more than just filing patents—she builds trust with scientists by learning from them and becoming an honorary member of their group, which in turn empowers early intervention on IP matters and prevents missteps like premature disclosures.
At Broad, she also navigates the challenge of balancing nonprofit-driven publication goals with strategic IP and licensing opportunities. Nicole works closely with her team to time continuation and divisional filings, aligning patent portfolios with the institute’s mission while maximizing future licensing and scientific impact.
Beyond her role at Broad, Nicole teaches part-time at Northeastern Law and serves on the board of A Girl You Might Know, an artists’ rights foundation, demonstrating a strong commitment to community and interdisciplinary engagement.
• Suffolk University Law School - JD Doctor of Law
• Northeastern University School of Law - Master's Degree
• Northeastern University - Bachelor of Science
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, immigrants from Greece, who pursued the American dream. They worked tirelessly in our family-owned pizza shop to provide me with an exceptional education, which subsequently opened up a world of possibilities. My parents consistently supported me through every degree, offering guidance and encouragement whenever necessary. Despite missing numerous holidays and birthdays due to my work or being geographically distant while at school, they consistently believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my aspirations, regardless of my career stage. I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering support and the strong work ethic they instilled in me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I wanted to share some thoughts and advice that I believe are particularly relevant for young women embarking on a career in a male-dominated field, especially one that uniquely blends both STEM and legal expertise. My primary piece of advice is to always maintain your voice, regardless of any external opinions or pressures you might encounter. Remember that you are your strongest advocate, and actively asserting yourself is crucial to ensuring you don't miss out on valuable opportunities. In fields like ours, it's possible to be overlooked if you don't actively participate and ensure you are seated at the table where you might not fit in perfectly. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to speak up and speak often.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My core values consistently guide both my personal and professional conduct. Honesty, integrity, and professionalism are paramount to me in all my endeavors. I firmly believe that a person is only as good as their word, and this principle underpins my approach to every interaction and responsibility. The trust built on these values is incredibly important, and I recognize that if that trust is broken, the ramifications can be severe and far-reaching. I am committed to upholding these standards to ensure strong and reliable relationships, both professionally and personally. Furthermore, remaining authentic is vital. There have been times where I have been encouraged to conform to certain expectations, but I believe it is important to stay true to myself.
Locations
The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard
Cambridge, MA 02142