Born and raised in Southern California, Paul Barba joins the Writing Program at UCSB after completing his Ph.D. in History at the University.

Paul is a historian of the North American West and specializes in slavery, immigration, and identity in colonial Texas. His reserach interests include Native American history, the African Diaspora, and comparative colonialism.

When his is not deep in his archival research, writing, or teaching, Paul enjoys playing guitar, participating in adult sports leagues, and spending time with his family.