Dustin S. Cates (he/him) is a teacher, conductor, and researcher from Kansas City, Missouri. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships through music and helping future conductor?teachers embrace their authentic voice. He is Associate Professor of Choral Music Education at Temple University, where he conducts University Chorale, mentors graduate students, and teaches courses in choral/vocal pedagogy and music education. His work centers on inclusion and belonging in choral music. An active presenter and conductor, he leads workshops and honor choirs nationwide. Before joining the faculty at Temple, he taught high school choir and served as artistic director and condcutor of Heartland Men?s Chorus. He has held leadership roles with ACDA at the state, regional, and national levels. He is husband to Dr. Raymond Cattaneo (medical, not music) and father to their son, Emmaus.