Holly Barnard photo portrait
Professor of Geography • Associate Dean of Research, College of Arts and Sciences • Fellow of INSTAAR • Co-Director of Hydrologic Sciences Graduate Program • Ecohydrology; Stable Isotope Geochemistry; Forest Hydrology; Tree Physiology • Ph.D. Oregon State University, 2009
Physical Geography

Research Interests

The ultimate goal of my research is to improve our knowledge of how changes in climate and land-use will affect forest ecosystems and water resources. I investigate how forest processes affect water flow dynamics and pathways in soil and streams, and conversely, how water flow paths affect ecological function in mountainous areas. This bridging of hydrology and ecosystem science is key to developing sustainable management of water resources. All of my research involves a combination of field experimentation, field observations and laboratory analysis, and is fundamentally interdisciplinary and collaborative. Over my career, I have collaborated with dozens of excellent scientists from a variety of disciplines to conduct research projects that have achieved far more than any of us could have on our own. These collaborations include engagement with scientists in my department and research institute, as well as, with federal scientists and colleagues at other academic institutions.

More Info

Undergraduates interested in research experience or potential senior/honors projects should contact Dr. Barnard.

Potential graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Barnard in advance of applying to the department to discuss research project and funding opportunities. Dr. Barnard is happy to work with students to prepare external graduate or post-doctoral fellowship applications (e.g. NSF, Ford Foundation, etc.) to support their research while working in the Barnard Ecohydrology Lab.


Recent Courses Taught

  • Spring 2023 GEOG 5100  Special Topics: Navigating Grad School
  • Spring 2023 GEOG 5161  Research Design in Geography
  • Fall 2022  GEOG 3511  Intro to Hydrology
  • Spring 2022  GEOG 5161  Research Design in Geography
  • Fall 2021  GEOG 3511  Intro to Hydrology
  • Spring 2021  GEOG 5161  Research Design in Geography
  • Fall 2020  GEOG 4371/5371  Forest Geography
  • Spring 2020  GEOG 3511  Intro to Hydrology
  • Spring 2020  GEOG 5100  Special Topics: Writing and Presenting in Physical Science
  • Fall 2019  GEOG 1001  Environmental Systems: Climate and Vegetation

Honors and Awards

2021: Boulder Faculty Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
2021: Arts and Sciences Consortium of Committees on Climate, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Award
2016: Featured in "Doctors Without Disciplinary Borders" exhibition: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
2012: Level II E.P.A. Scientific and Technological Achievement Award
2009: NSF Minority Post-doctoral Fellow
2007: American Geophysical Union Horton Research Grant
2005: Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellow