Research Interests
The ultimate goal of my research is to improve our knowledge of how changes in climate and land-use will affect forest ecosystems and water resources. I investigate how forest processes affect water flow dynamics and pathways in soil and streams, and conversely, how water flow paths affect ecological function in mountainous areas. This bridging of hydrology and ecosystem science is key to developing sustainable management of water resources. All of my research involves a combination of field experimentation, field observations and laboratory analysis, and is fundamentally interdisciplinary and collaborative. Over my career, I have collaborated with dozens of excellent scientists from a variety of disciplines to conduct research projects that have achieved far more than any of us could have on our own. These collaborations include engagement with scientists in my department and research institute, as well as, with federal scientists and colleagues at other academic institutions.
More Info
Undergraduates interested in research experience or potential senior/honors projects should contact Dr. Barnard.
Potential graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Barnard in advance of applying to the department to discuss research project and funding opportunities. Dr. Barnard is happy to work with students to prepare external graduate or post-doctoral fellowship applications (e.g. NSF, Ford Foundation, etc.) to support their research while working in the Barnard Ecohydrology Lab.
Recent Courses Taught
- Spring 2023 GEOG 5100 Special Topics: Navigating Grad School
- Spring 2023 GEOG 5161 Research Design in Geography
- Fall 2022 GEOG 3511 Intro to Hydrology
- Spring 2022 GEOG 5161 Research Design in Geography
- Fall 2021 GEOG 3511 Intro to Hydrology
- Spring 2021 GEOG 5161 Research Design in Geography
- Fall 2020 GEOG 4371/5371 Forest Geography
- Spring 2020 GEOG 3511 Intro to Hydrology
- Spring 2020 GEOG 5100 Special Topics: Writing and Presenting in Physical Science
- Fall 2019 GEOG 1001 Environmental Systems: Climate and Vegetation
Honors and Awards
2021: Boulder Faculty Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
2021: Arts and Sciences Consortium of Committees on Climate, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Award
2016: Featured in "Doctors Without Disciplinary Borders" exhibition: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
2012: Level II E.P.A. Scientific and Technological Achievement Award
2009: NSF Minority Post-doctoral Fellow
2007: American Geophysical Union Horton Research Grant
2005: Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellow
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