Daniel Patton M.S. ’20 is the recipient of the 2024 College of Natural Resources and Environment Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award. Currently an environmental protection specialist for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Patton has developed programs and policy development relating to natural resources protection and utilization. He has engaged with current students through Hokie Mentorship Connect (discontinued on Aug. 31, 2022) and has presented to faculty and students through his role as chair of the NASA Natural Resources Council.