Dr. Cathryn Thurston is an Associate Professor in the College of Social and Behavioral Science at Empire State University in Saratoga Springs, NY and is the Program Coordinator for the Security Studies program. Dr. Thurston also manages Empire’s online courses in Security Studies and Political Science. 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.