Rich Barber Recognized by the College of Arts and Sciences
Bernard Hubbard S.J. Creative Collaboration Award
In recognition of having established a well-deserved reputation for excellence in educating students by including them in professional research projects or creative activity, thereby transcending traditional teaching models to reach the heart of the research and creative process.
Rich Barber has all the needed traits of a perfect collaborator: love for science, curiosity to test new ideas, enthusiasm, generosity, and a voice that carries over beautifully.
Since starting at Santa Clara University in the fall of 1995, Rich has mentored 47 SCU undergraduates and three high school students in his research lab. Thirty-five of these students have ended up being co-authors with Rich on one or more peer-reviewed publications. Rich works with every kind of student—different skill sets, different preparations, and different interests. He has mentored students in majors including Physics, Engineering Physics, Biochemistry, Biology, Public Health, Biotechnology and others. He is an expert in matching students to the right project, and he gently encourages each student to fulfill their potential.
Rich is currently involved in several very creative collaborations with other SCU faculty, a number of whom have provided testaments to his dedication to students and science.
"Rich loves science. He is delighted to be testing ideas, at any time, any day. His enthusiasm instills the same in me and in my students. What a treat it has been for me to have forged an alliance in science with Rich Barber. Smart, fun, helpful, and truly dedicated to students and the projects we explore."
“I have collaborated with Rich for many years and although I have many colleagues that are outstanding mentors, what Rich can do with respect to training and mentoring students in research is truly incredible.”
"Despite the fact that Rich is in a different department and does very different research, he generously served as a resource to me and my team of undergraduate research students...he always took the time to ask my students about their work, giving them practice in scientific communication and modeling what it means to be a part of a community of curious scientific researchers. Rich's patience has served as a model for me, as a new mentor of undergraduate researchers.”
Others commend his patience and generosity with students and his ability to train students in intricate experimental techniques and equip them with invaluable skill sets. Rich is among the most prolific research collaborators on campus and a truly incredible mentor.