Don Barber

Don Barber is an Associate Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies at Bryn Mawr College, holding the Harold Alderfer Chair in Environmental Studies. His research focuses on sedimentology, geochemistry, and geomorphology in coastal environments, addressing sea-level rise, climate change impacts, and coastal resilience. He uses geochemical tracers to study sediment and pollutant dynamics in marine systems. His work includes evaluating salt marsh carbon cycling and dune stability under climate change pressures.

Research interests emphasize coastal processes across timescales, from hurricane events to millennia-long climate shifts. Key themes include sediment transport, carbon sequestration in salt marshes, and the role of natural systems in mitigating rising seas. His fieldwork spans barrier islands, estuaries, and mangrove ecosystems.

Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches integrating sedimentology, geochemistry, and climate science. Recent work explores hurricane overwash preservation, foraminifera-based sea-level reconstructions, and inorganic carbon storage in coastal wetlands. Collaborative projects include sea-level budget analyses along the U.S. Atlantic coast.

Awards and grants are not explicitly listed in the provided materials, though his research indicates significant external funding for fieldwork and lab analyses. He advises students through Bryn Mawr's Geology and Environmental Studies programs but no specific advisees are named. His lab work includes partnerships with institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and federal agencies.