James Barnes

James Barnes is an Assistant Research Professor at North Carolina State University's College of Design, Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, and is affiliated with the Natural Learning Initiative. His work integrates landscape ecology, design, and socio-ecological resilience to address environmental challenges.

Education:

• Ph.D. in the Constructed Environment from the University of Virginia
• M.S. in Plant Biology from the University of Vermont

Research focuses on biodiversity-human well-being interactions, biophilic tactical urbanism, and leveraging emerging technologies to design resilient educational environments. Barnes's interdisciplinary approach bridges ecology with architectural design, particularly in public schools.

Scientific awards include fellowships from:

• The U.S. Geological Survey
• The National Audubon Society
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

He previously led biodiversity restoration projects with the U.S. Forest Service and founded the X-Labs Augmented/Virtual Reality & Spatial Technologies program at James Madison University.