Barron Joseph Orr

Barron Joseph Orr has a diverse range of work experience. Barron Joseph served as the Chief Scientist for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, where they led the development and achievement of the scientific agenda and worked to strengthen the use of sound science and technology in the organization's initiatives. Barron Joseph also served as the Lead Scientist, providing scientific and technical guidance to implement the Convention's mandate.

Prior to their work with the UNCCD, Orr had a long career with the University of Arizona. Barron Joseph held various roles, including Professor Emeritus, Professor and Geospatial Extension Specialist, and Graduate Research Associate. During this time, they focused on curriculum development, teaching, and research in the Earth and environmental sciences, as well as the integration of climate information and decision processes for regional climate resilience.

Orr was also involved in other projects, such as serving as a Program Manager for the Belmont Forum e-Infrastructures and Data Management Project at the University of Arizona, and as a Profesor Visitante de Ecología & Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellow at the Universidad de Alicante.

Additionally, Orr has experience in the private sector, specifically as the General Manager of an international distribution hub for Maidenform.

Overall, Orr's work experience spans across academia, international organizations, and the private sector, with a focus on scientific research, teaching, and project management.

Barron Joseph Orr completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in French, Political Science, and African Studies at Indiana University Bloomington from 1980 to 1984. In 1982, they obtained a Diplôme d'Université in Relations Internationales from Sciences Po Strasbourg. During the same year, they also earned a Diplôme d'Études Françaises from the University of Strasbourg. Later, from 1985 to 1988, Barron pursued a Master of International Affairs degree in International Development and International Political Economy at Columbia University. Lastly, from 1992 to 2000, they attended the University of Arizona and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arid Lands Resource Sciences.