Biography

Dr. Barber worked on the management team of a medium-sized AZA accredited zoo in Southern Indiana for nineteen years before joining the biology faculty at West Liberty University in 2019. In that capacity she gained extensive experience with captive animal husbandry and exhibit design; building community collaborations; developing and implementing educational materials and interpretives; volunteer and staff recruitment, hiring, and training; and using behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning in problem solving and training animals with an emphasis on shaping and positive reinforcement. She has taken professional development courses for leadership, business management, and exhibit design. Since arriving at WLU Dr. Barber has assisted in the further development of Zoo Science program and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for that program. Dr. Barber serves on the steering committee of the Bat Taxon Advisory Group and is a Professional Fellow in the AZA.

Education

B.A. Psychology – Dartmouth College; Hanover, NH, 1992
Ph.D Biology – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2000
Certificate in Business Administration for Scientists – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1999
AZA Professional Training Program – Creating Successful Exhibits, 2003
AZA Professional Training Program – Managing For Success: Career Development, 2007