Annette Patton
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in the Willamette Valley of Oregon learning a deep appreciation for the mountains and the outdoors. I received a PhD from Colorado State University in 2019 with my advisor Dr. Sara Rathburn and recently completed a Postdoc at the University of Oregon with Dr. Josh Roering. Currently, I am the Lead Geoscientist and Project Manager for a nonprofit organization in Southeast Alaska, the Sitka Sound Science Center.
What is your research about?
I am a geomorphologist with a focus on landslide research. Currently I am managing a project to expand geohazards monitoring and develop risk reduction tools with several rural communities in Southeast Alaska. Our team recently launched a landslide risk awareness dashboard for Sitka, Alaska, which you can view at sitkalandslide.org.
What excites you about your research?
As a geomorphologist, I love trying to decipher the story of how a landscape came to be and how and why it is changing over many timescales. I also love finding patterns that help me better understand the "why" of a process like landslide initiation. Landslide research is at the nexus of geomorphic history of a place, landscape change, ecosystem processes, atmospheric science, and impacts to human communities. Most of all, I love tromping around in the mountains and making geomorphic maps!
What broader importance does your research have for society?
Landslide research is a perfect example of the deep relationship between science and communities. Landslide science can directly impact community safety and inform plans to reduce risk. A primary goal of our current geohazards monitoring project is to support climate adaptation and resilience by partnering with rural communities to prioritize research questions, center local knowledge, and develop products that meet community needs.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Earth Science?
I didn't know that I wanted to be a scientist when I was growing up. As an undergraduate at Whitman College, I took an introductory geology class on a whim and was overwhelmed to realize that I could pursue a career researching the natural world and doing science outside. My first geology professors, Pat Spencer and Bob Carson were amazing mentors and made me excited to learn more about Earth Science!
What are you looking to do after you complete your PhD or postdoc?
I am excited to continue pursuing community-driven research on landslides and other hazards, particularly if it involves making maps!
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, what is your dream project that you would pursue?
I am always drawn back to geomorphic mapping—I love that mapping encourages me to think holistically about a landscape and provides contextual tools for other geoscientists. If I had unlimited resources (specifically, unlimited time!) my dream would be to create (or compile) high-resolution geomorphic maps for all of Alaska.
What else do you do? Any hobbies or interests outside of work?
When I'm not at work I love exploring by any means possible—running, mountain biking, rafting, skiing (poorly), hiking, and camping with my husband and my dog, Copper. If I'm not outside, I'm probably cuddling with my cat, Juniper.