Dr. Robert T. Patterson is Adjunct Faculty at the University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka campus. He has more than eleven years of experience in chemical processes and product development, with expertise in the synthesis and production of specialty polymers, including EPM, EPDM, NBR, and acrylate-based materials.

His professional background includes work in polymer synthesis, grafting, and processing using co-rotating twin-screw extrusion. He has also provided technical support for both sales and manufacturing operations. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to process improvement, product development, and manufacturing efficiency, including the development of new analytical and processing methods. His research has included RAFT polymerization and the development of new Ziegler–Natta third monomers.

Dr. Patterson has authored multiple publications in chemistry and polymer science, including work on cycloaddition chemistry and substituent effects. He also holds patents related to hydrogenation catalysts for NBR polymers and solid sheared polymer blends.