Paul Barber, UCLA professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will be honored for his work advancing diversity within STEM fields by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) at its national conference Oct. 29-31 in Washington, DC.

In 2004, Barber founded the Diversity Project, an international undergraduate research program for underrepresented students that promotes diversity in marine science. At UCLA, he serves as the faculty director for the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS) — the university's largest academic support program for underrepresented and underserved students in STEM majors.

Barber and his research team use molecular genetic techniques in the study of ecological and evolutionary questions in marine environments. He conducts research on the evolution and conservation of marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, particularly in Indonesia. In 2009, he co-founded the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center to build biodiversity research capacity in one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems. Learn more at Barber's website.

SACNAS assists Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists, from college students to professionals, to attain advanced degrees, careers and leadership positions in science.