Jim Barnes received a BS in secondary education and an MS in biology from UWM. As a member of the Science Department of Brookfield Central High School for 34 years, he taught general biology, ecology and advanced biology. Since his retirement in 1999, he has been active in a variety of science related activities. He serves on the Program Committee and the Scientific Review Committee for the Badger State Science and Engineering Fair, where he helps promote scientific research among high school students. Barnes is currently secretary on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Wehr Nature Center.