Dr. Katheryn Patterson is Professor of Practice at Virginia Tech’s Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability and teaches for their Masters of Natural Resources Program. Katheryn has 20 years of experience working in ocean science, policy, conservation, education, and outreach. She has worked on a wide range of topics such as international fisheries policy, coral disease mitigation, marine protected areas, sustainable tourism, and science communication and brings these experiences into the courses she teaches. Katheryn is also a Legislative Affairs Specialist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where she works to advance regulatory and legislative policies. Katheryn is a past WYSE Faculty Advisor and earned her PhD in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University.