Annette Patton

Annette Patton is an Assistant Professor and Watershed Extension Specialist at Oregon State University's College of Forestry, affiliated with both the Outreach and Engagement unit and the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources & Management. She holds a BA in Geology from Whitman College and MS/PhD in Geosciences from Colorado State University.

Her research focuses on landslide initiation thresholds, hillslope hydrology, and community-led approaches to geohazard mitigation. Key areas include landslide early warning systems in data-sparse regions like Sitka, Alaska, and the impacts of permafrost thaw on land stability in Denali National Park. Patton emphasizes collaboration with local communities, land managers, and federal agencies to develop practical risk reduction strategies.

Notable recent work includes studies on debris flow dynamics in postglacial landscapes (2022), low-cost landslide monitoring networks (2021), and participatory co-design of climate services (2023). She advises graduate students in geosciences and serves as a key contact for watershed management outreach.