Meredith J Bashaw

Meredith J Bashaw is a Professor of Psychology at Franklin & Marshall College, where she bridges animal behavior, endocrinology, and conservation. Her research focuses on animal welfare science, utilizing behavioral and hormonal analyses to improve the lives of non-domesticated animals in human care, including giraffes, primates, reptiles, and big cats. Collaborations span global zoos, wildlife centers, and undergraduate researchers.

• Education: Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (Georgia Institute of Technology), B.S. in Biology and Religion (Duke University)

Her lab pioneers tools for non-invasive health monitoring, preference testing, and positive reinforcement training. Current projects address stress physiology, glucocorticoid dynamics, and human-animal interactions. Publications highlight advancements in zoo animal welfare and welfare assessment across species.

Key innovations include reframing stress metrics, refining enrichment protocols, and integrating behavioral data into management decisions. She teaches courses like PSY300 Research Design & Statistics, PSY/WGS270 Hormones and Behavior, and CNX180 Animal Welfare, emphasizing experiential learning in primate training and reptile husbandry.