Phillip Barnes

Phillip Barnes is an Associate Professor of Biology at Connecticut College, where he has served since 1985. His academic home is within the Biology Department, with his office located in room 417 of New London Hall.

Barnes specializes in the genetics and evolution of complex quantitative traits, particularly insect flight mechanics. His research examines genotype-by-environment interactions in adaptation and acclimation processes. He maintains an active long-term collaboration with Glenn Dreyer, Director of the Connecticut College Arboretum, studying flower color variation in jack-in-the-pulpit populations. His work bridges theoretical evolutionary biology with practical ecological observations.

Barnes pioneered technology integration in undergraduate biology education, implementing laptop-based data collection and analysis systems in genetics laboratories. Students utilize statistical software and campus networks during lab sessions to enhance data interpretation skills, with equipment accessible beyond classroom hours through dormitory wireless networks.

He actively mentors student researchers, exemplified by his 2008 poster presentation with Jazlen Samboy '08 at the American Genetic Association Annual Symposium on DDT-resistant Drosophila populations. Barnes teaches foundational courses including General Biology (101, 112), Genetics (206), Evolution (221), and Advanced Seminar in Biology (494), while emphasizing scientific process over rote answers.

• American Genetic Association
• American Society of Naturalists
• European Society for Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics Society of America
• National Center for Science Education
• Society for the Study of Evolution
• Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society

Barnes' educational philosophy centers on experiential learning, stating: "The best way to learn how the scientific process works is to collect, to analyze and to interpret new data on an original, novel research question." His departmental contributions include developing the General Education Tutorial pilot program and enhancing curriculum through technology integration.