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Amanda Smith works as a regulatory and standards professional at an international medical device manufacturer. Smith wanted to expand her legal knowledge in the health law sector through the Master of Jurisprudence program at IU McKinney.

Where are you from originally? Where did you do your undergraduate and/or graduate studies?

I am from Indianapolis and went to Ball State. I have a bachelors in the arts and telecommunications. I am also a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago in paralegal studies.

What are you doing now?

I am a regulatory and standards professional at an international medical device manufacturer for the North American market. I review guidance, regulations, laws, and standards that may affect the design and access of our products. Additionally, I work with trade organizations in Washington, D.C., to advocate for my company's position related to state legislation.

What drew you to this field? What do you like most about your job?

I was a paralegal for a few years in Chicago after graduating from Roosevelt. I loved the legal field but did not have a desire to become an attorney. When I moved back to Indiana, I saw how rich the life sciences are in the state, and realized there was an opportunity to apply my legal knowledge in a new way. I have been in life sciences compliance/regulatory affairs/quality now for over 10 years.

What's neat about my job is the collaboration across the company and industry with one goal in mind: patient safety. It is also very rewarding to see how your advocacy can influence legal activity.

What prompted you to pursue a Master of Jurisprudence degree at IU McKinney?

I heard about the program on NPR after moving back to Indiana in 2014 and it sounded like the perfect program for my long-term goals. I wanted to find a way to further my legal education, expand, and evolve my knowledge in the fascinating world of law. After settling and starting a family, I decided it was time to take this next step in my education.

How have you been able to tailor your studies to your career interests?

McKinney has a fantastic selection of health law classes, and my studies have been centered around those. Aside from the core classes I have completed (legal process and Contracts & Sales), I have completed Introduction to Health Law Policy, Life Sciences Compliance Law, and Public Health Law. I am currently enrolled in Administrative Law, and plan on taking Corporate Compliance Law and Bioethics Law in the fall. I have already experienced familiar topics in my classes for my job, and the classes have helped me grow that knowledge.

What's your experience been like as a student at IU McKinney?

I have a great cohort in the M.J. program and have already made friends and study buddies! Additionally, the J.D. students have been very receptive and interested in my perspective during class discussions. They also make good study buddies! It is wonderful to be back in the university environment, especially around other working professionals who share similar interests and passions.