Dr. Rebecca Barnes is a geoscientist whose research focuses on how human disturbance alters local and global cycling of critical elements such as carbon and nitrogen. As an AAAS Science Technology Policy Fellow in the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), she directed and advanced global environmental change activities through international science leadership, development of strategic partnerships, and multilateral funding initiatives as a member of the Belmont Forum Secretariat. She has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to mentoring and providing research and professional opportunities to students and early-career researchers as recognized by the 2019 Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring from the American Geophysical Union and 2020 CAREER Award from NSF. Barnes earned her PhD from Yale University, MS and MPA from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs, and BA from Oberlin College.