Current Lab Members

Assistant Professor and Lab Leader
​Murry L. Burgess, PhD
I grew up in the suburbs of MN, FL, TN, and MS with an interest in the wildlife around me. I followed this interest into a B.S. degree in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University. I also earned my Associate Wildlife Biologist® certification from The Wildlife Society. I went on to graduate school at North Carolina State University to pursue a Ph.D. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. After completing my dissertation, I became a tenure-track Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University. My work extends past ornithology and ecology research.  I am also an advocate for field safety in the natural sciences as an aspect of accessibility and inclusion. In 2022, I co-founded a nonprofit, Field Inclusive, which amplifies and supports marginalized and historically excluded field biologists. I am also a children's author with both self-published work and a children's STEM series with Little, Brown Young Readers. In my free time, I enjoy reading, birding, photography, video games, and snuggling with my dog, Loki.

MS Graduate Research Assistant
Tabbytha Spyrison
Tabbytha Spyrison was born in Chicago and grew up close by Roger's Park, in Evanston, IL. She graduated from Warren Wilson College in December 2022, with a B.S. in biology and a B.A. in creative writing. Her research interests include passerine birds and how they adapt to our changing world. She loves to read, write and run in her free time and her favorite bird is the Carolina Chickadee.

MS Graduate Research Assistant
Allia Grande
Growing up in Puerto Rico and driven by a deep curiosity about the environment, I earned my B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University, where I proudly serve as a graduate assistant. My research focuses on how urbanization impacts bird communities in southeastern campuses, a vital area of study as we navigate the challenges of conserving species in increasingly urbanized environments. My time as a wildlife technician with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources sparked my passion for conservation; I worked on treating invasive species, surveying gopher tortoises, habitat restoration projects and conducting prescribed burns, these experiences deepened my commitment to protecting our natural resources. In my free time, I enjoy bird banding, going to concerts, hanging out with friends, and taking walks—whether at the beach or in the forest—always seeking to connect with both nature and community.
Research and Project Highlights

Master's Thesis Research
The Impacts of Artificial Light at Night on Nestling Development and Parental Actions in Altricial Passerines
Using captive zebra finches as a study species, this research seeks to 1) Measure the effects of artificial light at night on nestling metabolism and hormones, 2) Elucidate balance between corticosterone, albumin, and glycated hemoglobin under artificial light at night, and 3) Measure the effect of artificial light at night on nestling begging behavior and parental actions.

US Forest Service International Program Grant
Motus Stations: Enhancing Flyway Conservation and Engagement
Mississippi contains critically important habitats for migratory birds. Installing Motus Wildlife Tracking Systems in key areas will help us resolve knowledge gaps regarding stopover habitat and non-breeding ground resources. Tagging efforts focus on a representative sample of neotropical migrants and residential species.

Book Chapter Contribution
Inclusive Nature: Science, Equity, and the Outdoors
Inclusive Nature is a forthcoming collection that centers the voices of those historically excluded from the fields of science, conservation, and outdoor spaces. Through essays, stories, and calls to action, this book invites readers to reimagine the natural world as a place of belonging, healing, and justice.