[1] When he was twelve, Barnard was inspired to become a scientist after watching a movie made by the Allan Hancock Foundation of the University of Southern California.

This quality was combined with an intense interest in human nature and it drove him always to search for additional information and clarification for the things he collected.

While he initially focused on Eastern Pacific corals, he turned to the research of amphipods after taking a tour of crustacean collections with fellow graduate students.

[6] Meanwhile, he dedicated to providing scientific education and insights to marine science students and focused on amphipod evolution and Pacific biogeography.

He was also a sympathetic sounding board, always willing to try out new ideas and approaches..."[9]Barnard was a prominent figure in the field of marine biology, particularly known for his extensive research on crustaceans, especially amphipods.

His seminal work, The Amphipoda of the Pacific Coast of North America, published in 1957, provided a comprehensive overview of the amphipod fauna in this region, detailing their morphological characteristics, ecological roles, and distribution patterns.

[10] His studies highlighted how environmental factors, such as sediment type and water temperature, influenced amphipod distribution and abundance, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics.

[11] In addition to his work on amphipods, Barnard was involved in various ecological studies that assessed the impacts of human activities on marine environments.

[citation needed] Barnard's legacy is reflected in the continued relevance of his research in contemporary marine biology and conservation efforts.