Mr. Crookston earned a master’s degree in applied physics with an emphasis in lasers and optics at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). Upon graduation from AFIT, he was assigned as a research physicist in an Air Force Research Laboratory at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. As a research physicist, Mr. Crookston conducted experiments in laser cooling and trapping of atoms for applications to inertial sensors on military satellites.

Mr. Crookston transitioned from quantum mechanics to aircraft mechanics when the US Air Force selected him to take part in a program to give certain Air Force scientists and engineers operational-type experience. As a maintenance operations officer, he led aircraft-maintenance activities for a 250-person maintenance squadron to ensure combat capability of C-5 and KC-10 aircraft at Travis Air Force Base, California.

After separating from the Air Force, Mr. Crookston worked as a project management consultant with a Sacramento, California consulting firm before attending law school. Mr. Crookston enjoys using his diverse technical background to help clients innovating in a variety of technology areas. He has specific experience working with inventions relating to semiconductor lasers, time-division multiple access radio communication, global navigation satellite systems, and cold-atom optics.

Mr. Crookston was recognized in 2025 as one of the "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch" for Intellectual Property Law and Patent Law by The Best Lawyers in America®.