Kimberly Barnes

Kimberly Barnes is the Associate Dean for Academics at West Virginia University's Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. She previously served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (2021-2024) and Interim Director of the Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences (2018-2019). A faculty member since 2007, she serves on university committees for academic policies, retention, and advising. Recognized as a 2019-2020 Academic Leadership Fellow by WVU's Provost Office, she specializes in developing interdisciplinary programs, including establishing WVU's first intercollegiate biochemistry program.

Education:
• B.S. Animal Science, Michigan State University
• M.S. & Ph.D. Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Research Focus: Dr. Barnes investigates lipid metabolism and adipose tissue biology, with emphasis on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 fatty acids. Her laboratory explored:

• Dietary lipid interactions and lipolysis mechanisms
• Molecular pathways of fat reduction in animal models
• Comparative effectiveness of algal, yeast, and fish oil sources
• Tissue-specific incorporation of fatty acids

Honors:

• Academic Leadership Fellow, WVU Provost Office (2019-2020)

Administrative Leadership: She directs academic initiatives including curriculum development, interdisciplinary program management, and student success strategies across WVU's agricultural sciences division, maintaining an active research program in nutritional biochemistry.