Special Master Katherine E. Oler functions as a trial judge and has served on the United States Court of Federal Claims since 2017. She presides over cases brought pursuant to the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act.

Before assuming her current position, Special Master Oler served as an active duty Judge Advocate General (JAG) with the United States Air Force. Her work as a JAG took her to various locations in the United States and the Middle East and assignments in Panama, Germany, and Korea. She primarily worked in the criminal litigation arena, holding positions as a first-chair felony prosecutor, a defense attorney, and a trial judge. Her final position on active duty was as the Air Force’s Chief Prosecutor and Chief Government Appellate Counsel. Special Master Oler served in the Air Force for 21 years, retiring as a colonel (O-6).

Special Master Oler graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Political Science. While at Wellesley, she was awarded a first-year distinction for academic excellence. She completed an English department honors thesis and received academic and departmental honors upon graduation. Special Master Oler earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Boston University School of Law. Further, she graduated from the Army’s 51st Military Judges Course, where she was named the top graduate.