Catherine Patterson

Catherine Schmidt Patterson is an Associate Scientist at the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI). Her primary areas of research are the use of non- or minimally-invasive techniques such as Raman microspectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and technical imaging to study works of art (including paintings, drawings, photographs, and illuminated manuscripts), the development of new analytical methodologies, and technology transfer for the benefit of cultural heritage science. Prior to joining the GCI as a member of staff in 2009, she was selected for the GCI’s prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science (2007-2009). She received her Ph.D. (Chemistry) at Northwestern University, where her research focused on the fundamental physical chemistry governing the interaction of small organic molecules with catalytic metal-oxide surfaces. She is active in several data-related projects, including at the GCI (https://www.getty.edu/conservation/our_projects/science/integrating_data/) and internationally (http://www.e-rihs.eu/).