Paul Barber

Paul Barber is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA's College of Letters and Science, specializing in marine biodiversity research. His work integrates genetics, ecology, and oceanography to study speciation in marine environments, particularly in the Coral Triangle biodiversity hotspot.

• Education: B.S. (University of Arizona, 1991), Ph.D. (UC Berkeley, 1998)
• Research Focus: Marine speciation mechanisms, environmental DNA (eDNA) applications, and conservation planning
• Students: Mentored PhD candidates including Madeleine Pacheco and Candice Cross

Research interests center on understanding how tectonic history, ocean currents, and organismal ecology drive genetic connectivity and marine biodiversity. Current work combines empirical models with geographically explicit oceanographic data to inform conservation strategies. His lab collaborates with organizations like Conservation International.

Recent publications highlight innovations in eDNA metabarcoding (2021-2025), tropical reef ecology (2025), and marine conservation technology (2023). Key discoveries include genetic connectivity patterns in giant clams (2008) and eDNA's utility for monitoring reef biodiversity (2022).

• Scientific Awards: Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award

Barber's lab develops tools for marine monitoring, such as the Anacapa Toolkit (2019) for eDNA processing, while addressing systemic issues in STEM education through inclusive research programs (2021-2023). His work spans field research in Indonesia, French Polynesia, and California.