Cathryn Thurston

Dr. Cathryn Thurston is an Associate Professor in the School of Social and Behavioral Science at Empire State College in Saratoga Springs and teaches in the Security Studies program.  Dr. Thurston is also Associate Department Chair in Public Affairs and manages Empire’s online courses in emergency management, homeland security, criminal justice, legal studies, and public affairs. Dr. Thurston has 25 years of national security work experience in government, industry and academia. Dr. Thurston’s research interests include assessing the effectiveness of U.S. national strategies and plans, and the application of social science research methodology to intelligence and national security. Dr. Thurston holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, an M.A. in International Relations from Syracuse University, and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver.