Dalgis (Dee) Barras, PhD

Overview

Dalgis (Dee) Barras assists the Electrical & Computer Technologies Practice, where she focuses on patent preparation and prosecution across a broad range of technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications technologies, electronics and semiconductors, nanotechnology, and consumer products.

A physicist and educator turned patent agent, Dee brings a natural curiosity, a love of learning, and a passion for understanding the science and engineering behind every invention. With a PhD in physics and a decade of award-winning university teaching experience, she combines a strong technical foundation with an ability to unravel complex concepts, ask thoughtful questions, and communicate intricate ideas with clarity.

Prior to joining Wolf Greenfield, Dee worked as a patent agent at an intellectual property law firm, where she prepared and prosecuted US and international patent applications for a global semiconductor equipment manufacturer and other technology clients. Her experience spans semiconductor fabrication and processing equipment, RF and plasma systems, metal deposition, superconducting structures, X-ray instrumentation, consumer products, and feedback-controlled thermal management systems. Dee works closely with inventors, developing patent drafting and prosecution strategies, conducting examiner interviews, and collaborating with foreign counsel to protect innovations across international jurisdictions.

Dee approaches each invention much like a puzzle, bringing together technical details, inventive concepts, and insights from inventors to understand not only how a technology works, but why it matters. She values meaningful collaboration and believes that effective communication, thoughtful analysis, and a genuine appreciation for innovation are essential to building strong patent protection.

Before entering patent practice, Dee spent a decade teaching undergraduate physics at Louisiana State University and Sam Houston State University. Her teaching experience covered a wide range of subjects, including electromagnetism, circuit analysis, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. Those years strengthened her ability to make challenging technical subjects approachable, a skill she continues to bring to her work with inventors and clients.

Dee earned her PhD in physics from Louisiana State University, where her research focused on neutron scattering studies of unusual spin structures and local correlations in complex oxides. Her research involved work at several US national laboratories and collaborations with scientists around the world.

Activities

• Houston Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
• IPWatchdog Inc., Member
• Society of Physics Students, Sam Houston State University, Faculty Advisor
• Honors College Advisory Committee, Sam Houston State University

Recognition

• Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Instructor Award, Louisiana State University (2018)
• Tiger Athletic Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award, Louisiana State University (2017)
• Dissertation Year Fellowship, Louisiana State University
• Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation Fellowship
• McKnight Doctoral Fellowship
• Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Award

Interests

Outside of patent practice, Dee enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, hiking, and occasionally rope jumping into waterfalls, lakes, and creeks! An enthusiastic LSU football fan, she loves cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley (Geaux Tigers!). Originally from Cuba, Dee has strong ties to the Miami community, speaks Spanish as her native language, and brings that same lively spirit and enthusiasm to everything she does.