Meghan Barrett

Meghan Barrett, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, affiliated with the School of Science. She serves as Founding Director of the Insect Welfare Research Society (2023). Her work bridges neuroscience, physiology, and ethics to address insect welfare and neurobiological mechanisms.

Education:

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Drexel University (2022)
• MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, Drexel University (2022)
• BS Biological Sciences (summa cum laude), SUNY Geneseo (2016) with a second major in English/Creative Writing

Research Focus: Explores insect sensory experiences, pain perception, and welfare through interdisciplinary collaboration. Key themes include physiological responses to environmental stressors, nervous system adaptations, and ethical implications of insect farming. Recent work highlights development of welfare assessment tools for farmed insects and thermal tolerance mechanisms in desert bees.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Barrett Lab, advancing understanding of insect senses and welfare through neuroscience and physiology. Collaborates with philosophers, industry partners, and welfare scientists to inform ethical practices in insect management.

Grants/Advising: No student advisees listed; focuses on lab management and interdisciplinary initiatives. Active in policy development for insect welfare standards.