Kathryn A Powlen, Ph.D.
Kathryn Powlen is a Geographer at the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Kathryn Powlen is a social scientist who studies human-environment interactions often aimed at understanding drivers of land use decisions, water insecurity, and vulnerability to hazards. She is currently part of the Socio-Hydrology team at the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center. Approaches to her work include qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as working with geospatial data. She previously completed an M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, focusing on the effectiveness of conservation strategies
Education and Certifications
PhD in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University
MS in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University
BS in Environmental Science and GIS Certificate, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Science and Products
Socio-Hydrology
A gender and social vulnerability assessment approach
Flash drought: A state of the science review
In the two decades, since the advent of the term “flash drought,” considerable research has been directed toward the topic. Within the scientific community, we have actively forged a new paradigm that has avoided a chaotic evolution of conventional drought but instead recognizes that flash droughts have distinct dynamics and, particularly, impacts. We have moved beyond the initial debate over the
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
- Science
Socio-Hydrology
The Socio-Hydrology Team conducts interdisciplinary studies spanning socioeconomic, hydrologic and climate science. Applying qualitative and quantitative approaches, we help stakeholders identify and assess a suite of water and climate risks. Our methodology provides a means for resource managers, practitioners, and communities to analyze and evaluate risks, vulnerability, and resiliency to... - Publications
A gender and social vulnerability assessment approach
The report on an approach for gender and social vulnerability assessment is a supporting tool – or a guiding note – to assist the MRC to conduct the gender and vulnerability assessment in the Lower Mekong Basin. While the approach focuses on floods, droughts, and extreme storm events for the MRC’s future application, the overall gender and vulnerability framework described in this report could beAuthorsSaira Haider, Kathryn Powlen, Nina Burkardt, Matthew E. AndersenFlash drought: A state of the science review
In the two decades, since the advent of the term “flash drought,” considerable research has been directed toward the topic. Within the scientific community, we have actively forged a new paradigm that has avoided a chaotic evolution of conventional drought but instead recognizes that flash droughts have distinct dynamics and, particularly, impacts. We have moved beyond the initial debate over the
AuthorsJordan Christian, Mike Hobbins, Andrew Hoell, Jason Otkin, Trenton W. Ford, Amanda E. Cravens, Kathryn Powlen, Hailan Wang, Vimal MishraNon-USGS Publications**
Fariss, B., DeMello, N., Powlen, K. A., Latimer, C. E., Masuda, Y., & Kennedy, C. M. (2022). Catalyzing success in community‐based conservation. Conservation Biology: 13973Powlen, K.A., Gavin, M.C., Jones, K.W. (2021). Management effectiveness positively influences forest conservation outcomes in protected areas. Biological Conservation (260):109192Jones, K. W.1, Powlen K. A. 1, Shinbrot, X., Roberts, R. (2020). Participation in Payments for Ecosystem Services Programs in the Global South: A Systematic Review. Ecosystem Services (45):101159Powlen K. A. & Jones, K. W. (2019). Identifying determinants of and barriers to landowner participation in reforestation in Costa Rica. Land Use Policy (84): 216-225**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.