Patricia Raun is Director of the Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech.  During her decades as a professional actor and professor of theatre she became inspired to share the powerful tools of her work to support skills of connection and communication in scientists, health professionals, and scholars. As a theatre voice specialist, her mission has always been to promote positive transformation by developing healthy and varied voices — both literal and figurative — in individuals, institutions, and communities. Her particular interests include empathy development, serious games, and collaboration.