Barrett Klein

Barrett Klein is a Full Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL), where he has held positions since 2012, advancing to his current rank in 2021. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution & Behavior from the University of Texas at Austin (2010), along with earlier degrees from Cornell University (B.S., 1993) and the University of Arizona (M.S., 2003). His research focuses on animal behavior, entomology, sleep biology, and the intersection of insects with human culture and art. Klein's work bridges scientific inquiry and artistic expression, exemplified by his leadership of the Pupating Lab and his acclaimed book The Insect Epiphany (2024). He has been recognized with a Teaching Excellence Award and frequently collaborates with institutions like the Field Museum and the University of Konstanz. Klein’s publications span topics from insect sleep mechanics to cultural entomology, and his work has appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Experimental Zoology, and Smithsonian Magazine. His teaching portfolio includes courses like Entomology, Scientific Visualization, and a First-Year Seminar on insects in human life.

Research interests include sleep dynamics in social insects and bats, insect behavior visualization, and the historical impact of insects on human culture. Klein’s lab investigates how insects affect human societies through art, food, and environmental stewardship. Recent projects explore the functional significance of sleep in social insects and the role of insects in global ecosystems. His interdisciplinary approach is reflected in collaborations with artists, writers, and international scientists, as well as his TEDx talks and media appearances on topics like entomological art and biodiversity conservation.