By Chris Patrick, staff writer
Katheryn Patterson worked for almost a decade researching bottlenose dolphins in Belize, where she frequently engaged with artisanal fishermen to better understand their needs. This experience fed her interest in the complexity of marine conservation issues.
As a Knauss Fellow, Patterson is eager to follow this interest and help invoke change by bridging gaps between science, policy, and enforcement while serving in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement (OLE).
Patterson looks forward to understanding how OLE works with a myriad of groups—including local field offices, partnered agencies, foreign governments and entities, and non-government organizations—to enforce international policies that combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“I am excited about the new challenges and experiences that I will receive during my fellowship year at OLE,” says Patterson.
Although Patterson will work on many aspects of the OLE international program, she will focus her efforts on assisting with the development of IUU and international training programs, international capacity building, and technical assistance efforts. She’s also interested in studying activities related to the Lacey Act, IUU Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015, Port State Measures, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Patterson received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Spring Hill College in 2006, a master’s degree in environmental science and policy from George Mason University (GMU) in 2010, and a PhD in environmental science and public policy from GMU in 2015.
Patterson and five other Virginia graduate students will begin their yearlong Knauss Fellowships in February.
The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program places students with host offices in the legislative or executive branches of government in Washington, DC. Fellows learn about the national policy decisions that affect ocean, coastal, and the Great Lakes resources while getting the opportunity to contribute their knowledge to current issues facing the nation. The National Sea Grant College Program established the program in 1979.
