Master of Laws graduate infuses the law with STEM

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2023 graduates.

Christina Grey’s path to the law wasn’t a straight line. She received her undergraduate degree in mathematics and worked as a high school math teacher for several years. Ultimately, a desire to help others took over and she found her way to law school. 

“I realized I wanted to make a difference and give back to my community and decided a great way to do that was through studying and practicing law,” she said. 

Grey graduated with her Juris Doctor degree from the Baylor University School of Law in 2019 and went on to practice law as an assistant attorney general for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. But her love of STEM never left her. 

This spring, Grey is earning her Master of Laws (LLM) in biotechnology. The advanced degree program is for people who want to expand their legal knowledge or specialize in a certain legal field. 

Next, Grey, a native of Lake Jackson, Texas, will return to her roots in teaching after accepting a position as a visiting assistant professor at the University of South Dakota School of Law. 

Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU Law — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Answer: I learned more about biotechnology and how science and law intersect in more areas than just patents.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because it is a good school and I already lived in Phoenix, so I could work full time and still attend classes.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Professor Gary Marchant, Regents Professor of Law and director of the Center for Law, Science and Innovation.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Focus on your goals but also focus on yourself and what you need. Mental health is important.

Q: What about advice for those considering ASU Law?

A: It's a great school with professors who truly care about your success.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: Housing. I would aim to make sure everyone had a place to live with a roof over their head.

Q: What does graduating mean to you and your loved ones?

A: It means a continuation of my education and furthering my path to my goals.

Q: Who, if anyone, helped you get here?

A: Professor Marchant supported me and was one of my references in job applications.