Bio

Karina Calliste is an evening student at the University Of Maryland Francis King Carey School Of Law. Prior to, and while pursuing her law degree, she has been employed as a Technology Specialist/Patent Agent in the Washington, D.C., office of Fish & Richardson P.C., a leading global intellectual property (IP) law firm. Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Karina moved to the U.S. to the attend college on a volleyball scholarship. Karina graduated with honors from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering, and subsequently received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Howard University.

As a Patent Agent registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Karina is involved in the process of securing patent rights for her clients. In her current role, she drafts patent applications, office action responses, and performs due diligence and strategic patent portfolio development for her clients in the areas of electrical engineering, semiconductor processing and devices, software, and nanotechnology. Upon graduation, she will be a Patent Attorney, and will transition into an Associate position at Fish & Richardson P.C.

As one of only five black female engineers at her firm, she serves as the chair of the Black Legal Staff Affinity Group (BlackFISH), charged with advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Karina also served as an evening student representative for UMD’s Black Law Student Association (BLSA) during her 2E year.