Kasey Barton

Kasey Barton is an associate professor of botany in the School of Life Sciences. Barton observes that most students pursue biology out of fascination with the process of scientific discovery, or inspiration to contribute to human health or conservation of natural places. That awareness is exemplified in her teaching students to: read and write critically; be agile with data analysis and interpretation; think deeply about and make links between the processes of the natural world; predict how these processes will change in the future; and perform and assess the scientific process. She said, “Diversity can be measured in many ways, and all of these ways matter in the classroom. Respect for students’ backgrounds and differences is essential to ensure that they feel safe and can succeed in my classes.” One student wrote, “Regardless of the class size, Dr. Barton possesses the rare and astonishing ability to create a learning environment in which each student feels noticed and respected, skillfully weaving foundational scientific literature with current research taking place in Hawaiʻi.”