Bradford D. Hollingsworth, Ph.D.

The Laurence M. Klauber Curator of Herpetology
Brad has served as the department’s curator since 2000. Prior to this he worked as a postdoctoral fellow, guest curator of exhibits, expedition lead herpetologist, museum store employee, and volunteer. He received his doctorate from Loma Linda University and both his M.S. and B.S. from San Diego State University. Brad’s research focuses on the evolution and biogeography of the herpetofauna of Baja California and its associated islands. Brad is also an Adjunct Professor at San Diego State University. Brad can be reached at 619.255.0277 or by using our contact form under "Research".

Adam G. Clause, Ph.D.

Herpetology Collections Manager
Adam began serving as the collection manager for the department in early 2023. He received his B.S. from the University of California-Davis and his doctorate from the University of Georgia, followed by a postdoctoral appointment at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Adam is passionate about conservation, ecology, biogeography, and systematics of amphibians and reptiles (particularly alligator lizards!). He is thrilled to advance those interests by facilitating the care, use, and growth of The Nat’s herpetology collection. Adam can be reached by using our contact form under "Research".

Jessica Barba

Herpetology Field Technician and GIS Specialist
Jessica has been with The Nat for over a decade, working in various roles in the herpetology department. She started as a collections volunteer, was a GIS (geographical information systems) intern, and is now a field technician and GIS specialist. She received a B.S. in Biology from San Diego State University and an A.S. in GIS from San Diego Mesa College. Jessica enjoys being out in the field surveying for herps whenever she gets a chance, especially for horned lizards. When she is not in the field, you can find her in the office working on various map projects for multiple departments.

Bennett M. Hardy, Ph.D.

Herpetology Postdoctoral Researcher
Bennett joined the department as a postdoctoral researcher in late 2024. He received his B.S. from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt, his M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and his doctorate from Colorado State University. His research uses a variety of laboratory, field, and modeling approaches to improve our understanding of the ecology and conservation of amphibians. At The Nat, he is focused on investigating how best to conserve threatened California Red-legged Frogs, our California State Amphibian.

Anastácia Dos Santos

San Diego City College Intern
Anastácia is an intern at The Nat’s herpetology department and a San Diego City College undergraduate student with an interest in exploring the connections between sustainability, biodiversity, and medicine. She is particularly interested in studying bioactive compounds found in amphibians and snakes, and their potential applications in treating human diseases. Anastácia plans to pursue graduate studies in ecology or conservation biology, with a focus on how those fields intersect with human health. Through her work, she hopes to contribute to conservation efforts and inspire others to see nature as both a healer and a source of scientific discovery.