See all Profiles
Adia Burriss Coleman
Staff
Staff

Adia Burriss Coleman, M.I.M.

Director of Technology Transfer & Commercialization

  • Office of Research
  • Director of Technology Transfer & Commercialization
    Intellectual Property & Innovation

Biography

Adia Burriss Coleman is the Director of Technology Transfer & Commercialization in the Office of Research, building upon her extensive experience in knowledge management and competitive intelligence. In this capacity, she is dedicated to safeguarding the intellectual assets of the institution while facilitating the responsible and ethical transfer of technology and innovation to the marketplace. By providing guidance on patent strategies, licensing agreements, and intellectual property policies, Adia Coleman plays a vital role in advancing the university's research agenda and fostering economic development.

Adia Burriss Coleman is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in information management and intellectual property rights. With a passion for facilitating access to knowledge and protecting innovative ideas, Adia Coleman has transitioned from a successful tenure as the Head of the Business Library to a pivotal role in the Technology Transfer Department of the Office of Research.

With a commitment to excellence and a track record of success in both academic and professional settings, Adia Coleman brings a unique blend of expertise in Information Management, Intellectual Property Management, and Library Science to her current role. Adia Coleman continues to actively engage in professional development activities to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in Information Management and Intellectual Property rights.

Education & Expertise

Education

Master's of Information Management

Graduate
University of Maryland
2014

Bachelor's of Art

Undergraduate
Morgan State University
2003

Expertise

USPTO Patent & Trademark Resource Center Certification

The Patent and Trademark Resource Centers Program administers a nationwide network of public, state and academic libraries designated as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers authorized by 35 U.S.C. 12 to:

  • Disseminate patent and trademark information
  • Support diverse intellectual property needs of the public

PTRC library staff are information experts trained on how to use search tools to access patent and trademark information. They provide the human touch that no webpage or legal book can provide in helping inventors and small businesses find the information they need to protect their intellectual property.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments

Patent & Trademark Resource Center Program Certification

Certified Intellectual Property (IP) Specialist
Patent & Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) Program
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Years Certified: 2008–2023

From 2008 to 2023, Adia Coleman successfully completed annual certification requirements as a Certified Intellectual Property Specialist through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent & Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) program. This 16-year span reflects consistent participation in federally recognized IP training, reinforcing expertise in patent and trademark searching, public outreach, and education on the USPTO’s tools and services.

Each year, certification was awarded upon completion of specialized coursework, hands-on training, and regular engagement with USPTO updates and legal developments. This sustained certification demonstrates Adia's deep commitment to public education in IP matters, mastery of the USPTO’s systems (such as TESS, TSDR, and Patent Public Search), and her role as a community resource for inventors, entrepreneurs, students, and legal professionals.

Throughout this period, Adia served as a regional leader in democratizing access to intellectual property information, advancing innovation ecosystems, and providing expert guidance in patent and trademark processes.