Meghan Milbrath

Meghan Milbrath is an Assistant Professor in Apiculture within the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her work combines field, lab, and computational approaches to study pollinator health risks. She teaches a three-week veterinary rotation on honey bee medicine and splits her time between teaching (10%), research (45%), and extension activities (45%).

Professional Experience:

• 2020–Present: Assistant Professor, MSU Entomology
• 2021: Researcher, Swedish Agricultural University (Ecology)
• 2015–2020: Academic Specialist, MSU Entomology
• 2012–2013: Postdoctoral Researcher, MSU Entomology

Research Focus: Her interdisciplinary program uses epidemiology and environmental health frameworks to address risks to pollinators during crop pollination. Key areas include:

• Pesticide exposure effects on colony health
• Nutrition-disease interactions
• Bacterial disease dynamics (e.g., European foulbrood)
• Impact of landscape composition on pollinator success

Publications & Outreach: Over 50+ peer-reviewed articles and extension resources, including guides on pollinator protection, GAAMPs updates, and pollinator habitat establishment. Recent work emphasizes pesticide exposure sources, climate impacts on colonies, and standardized diagnostic methods for bee diseases.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Milbrath Lab at MSU’s Pollinator Performance Center. Collaborates with the Honey Bee Health Coalition and Michigan Extension programs to disseminate practical solutions for beekeepers and farmers.