Dexter Patterson is the Director of Sciences and Climate at Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. He is an educator, multimedia professional, and also a faculty member in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He teaches courses in video production, podcasting, photography, and social media strategy, helping future scientists and researchers share their work with the public in impactful and creative ways.
He is also the co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, where he develops and leads statewide programming that connects communities through birds, nature, and outdoor education, working to make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for all.
Beyond the classroom, Dexter is a seasoned nonprofit leader with previous experience on the communications team at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. Known online as The Wisco Birder, he creates photography, videos, and digital content that inspires people to find joy in nature. He also co-hosts the Bird Joy Podcast and is the author of Birds of the Great Lakes (Timber Press/Hachette, 2025), a birding field guide that blends birding, storytelling, and community.
