Jacob N. Barney
245C Steger Hall
Blacksburg, VA
Overview
My research is broadly focused on the causes, consequences, epidemiology, and management of invasive plant species.
Expertise
- Invasive plant ecology
- Weed science
Education
- Ph.D. (2007) Cornell University, Department of Horticulture: Invasive Plant Ecology
- M.S. (2003) Cornell University, Department of Horticulture: Weed Science
- B.S. (2000) University of Kentucky, Chemistry (Cum laude)
We work on a diversity of species and contexts to elucidate the causes, consequences, and epidemiology of invasive plant species. Past work included studying the invasive potential of bioenergy crops. Current work is using Johnsongrass as a model system to study the genetic, population dynamic, and evolutionary potential of a widespread and expanding invader. Other systems include native invaders, ecophysiology, and epigenetics of stress tolerance. We are also conducting long-term management projects to identify the feasibility, economic, and non-target impacts of eradication.
Currently Teach
- PPWS 3754: Weeds That Shape Our World, Co-Instructor with Jim Westwood
- PPWS 4604/5604G: Biological Invasions
- PPWS 6004: Advanced Topics in Weed Science
Previously Taught
- GRAD 6984: The Science and Policy of Invasions, Co-Instructor with Bryan Brown, David Haak, Erin Hotchkiss, Scott Salom
- ALS 3404: Ecological Agriculture
- PPWS 5984: Applied Statistics, co-taught with Dan Atwater
Professor of Invasive Plant Ecology | 2023-Present
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Associate Professor of Invasive Plant Ecology | 2016-2023
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Assistant Professor of Invasive Plant Ecology | 2010-2016
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Outstanding Reviewer Award in Invasive Plant Science and Management. Weed Science Society of America, 2019
- Outstanding Paper Award in Invasive Plant Science and Management, Weed Science Society of America. Awarded for the paper Tekiela DR, Barney JN (2017) Invasion shadows: The accumulation and loss of ecological impacts from an invasive plant. Invasive Plant Science and Management 10: 1-8, 2018
- Early Career Weed Scientist Award. Weed Science Society of America, 2016
- Scholarship Excellence Award. Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, 2016
- The Henderson Award. Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, 2016
- Virginia Tech Scholar of the Week. Virginia Tech, 2016
- Outstanding Researcher Award. Northeastern Weed Science Society, 2015
- New Investigator Award. Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, 2014
- Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Weed Science Society of America, 2008
- Robert D. Sweet Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Northeastern Weed Science Society, 2008