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
Science and Products
Coastal Wetland Dynamics and Impacts on Hurricane Flood Risk along the Texas Gulf Coast in a Changing Climate
Wetlands along the Gulf Coast are crucial for reducing hurricane-induced flooding and as habitat for diverse wildlife, but are threatened by rising sea levels, climate change, and coastal development. Using remote sensing data, future climate data, and numerical models, researchers from this South Central CASC-supported project will collaborate with local expert groups to create data and maps abou
Identifying Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Flood-Prone Underserved Communities in Harris County, Texas
Flooding in urban centers caused by increasingly severe storms has led to massive economic, social, and ecological damage. Researchers supported by this South Central CASC project will examine flood vulnerability and equity in mitigation efforts in Harris County, Texas, currently home to the highest concentration of federally funded relocation projects in the country. The resulting flood vulnerabi
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...
Science and Products
Coastal Wetland Dynamics and Impacts on Hurricane Flood Risk along the Texas Gulf Coast in a Changing Climate
Wetlands along the Gulf Coast are crucial for reducing hurricane-induced flooding and as habitat for diverse wildlife, but are threatened by rising sea levels, climate change, and coastal development. Using remote sensing data, future climate data, and numerical models, researchers from this South Central CASC-supported project will collaborate with local expert groups to create data and maps abou
Identifying Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Flood-Prone Underserved Communities in Harris County, Texas
Flooding in urban centers caused by increasingly severe storms has led to massive economic, social, and ecological damage. Researchers supported by this South Central CASC project will examine flood vulnerability and equity in mitigation efforts in Harris County, Texas, currently home to the highest concentration of federally funded relocation projects in the country. The resulting flood vulnerabi
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...