Dr Kate Patterson

Kate is a transdisciplinary researcher and practitioner with over 12 years working at the intersection of strategic design, science and visual communication. Specialising in 3D biomedical animation, Kate makes complex scientific information accessible by blending storytelling with the tools of art and design.

Kate now works as a communications consultant and freelance science illustration and animation expert supporting the capabilities of scientists and STEM related organisations to effectively communicate their research visually and with design thinking to help realise and promote their impact.

Kate was a practicing small animal veterinarian interested in the origins of cancer, before completing a PhD in the molecular biology of human cancer in 2009 with UNSW and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. It was during her PhD that she developed her skills and passion for visual science communication and following her PhD she has worked as a science writer, illustrator and animator. In 2021 she completed an MPhil (Media Arts) at UNSW Art, Design and Architecture. Her research interests include animation and visualisation in education, and she uses practice-led and reflective practice approaches to explore research questions related to the field of scientific visualisation and biomedical animation.