Emma Barrett

Emma Barrett, Ph.D., earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Emmanuel College (Boston, Massachusetts) and her doctorate in chemistry from the University of Vermont (Burlington, Vermont). After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston College, she joined Norwich University’s faculty in 2021 as an assistant professor. Barrett teaches organic chemistry lecture and lab, as well as senior synthesis and research courses.

Barrett’s research lies at the intersection of chemistry and biology, aiming to synthesize chemical tools that can be used to solve biological problems. She is interested in peptides with unique biological activities, specifically antioxidant peptides; the incorporation of non-natural amino acids into peptides; and the synthesis of novel amino acids. In addition, Barrett is always open to exploring new project ideas generated by students. She has served as a mentor for numerous student-led research projects, including the synthesis of biodiesel from algae, water quality testing in local rivers, and the binding of fungal biomolecules to heavy metals.

Barrett is dedicated to conducting interdisciplinary research at Norwich University and has been awarded multiple grants from the Vermont Biomedical Research Network (VBRN) to support her work. She was awarded a $10,000 startup grant in 2021 and a $25,000 pilot grant in 2023 from VBRN. Barrett is a member of the VBRN bioorganic thematic group, where she collaborates with other faculty members throughout Vermont.

Barrett is an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and is an advisor for the student ACS club at Norwich. Her research students have presented their findings at national ACS conferences and at other conferences, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Barrett is also dedicated to science outreach and serves as a volunteer organizer of the Vermont STEM Fair.