Brian Haggerty

Brian Haggerty is an evolutionary ecologist working toward his PhD at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His work explores a variety of topics at the intersection of environmental science, education, science communications, and public participation in scientific research. A common theme throughout his activities is phenology – the timing and intensity of seasonal dynamics and their responses to environmental changes.

In his dissertation research, Brian is studying how changes in the timing of plant growth and reproduction can be used to track the short-term effects of climate variability and the long-term effects of climate change. For these projects he integrates field-based monitoring of wildflower communities in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with greenhouse experiments, statistical modeling, and historical herbarium-based studies.
Brian also has been working with other scientists, educators, and policy-makers across the country and within California to design and implement the USA National Phenology Network and the California Phenology Project. These are emerging partnerships among federal agencies, the academic community, educational institutions at all levels, and the general public to monitor the effects of environmental change on our nation’s resources. By coordinating the development of phenological monitoring programs across the state, and by creating a variety of guides, educational activities, and training workshops for scientists and educators, Brian is helping to lead climate change research and outreach efforts across California’s National Parks, the UC Natural Reserve System, and other partners.
Brian received a B.S. from the University of Oregon and a M.S. from the University of Virginia, and enjoys gardening, photography, triathlons, and playing music.