J. Brian Davis

Dr. J. Brian Davis is the James C. Kennedy Endowed Professor in Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation at Mississippi State University's Forest and Wildlife Research Center. His expertise spans avian ecology, wetland conservation, and climate impacts on wildlife populations. He holds a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University in Forest Resources, an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, and a B.S. in Wildlife Management from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

His research focuses on waterfowl conservation, wetland dynamics, and the application of machine learning in ecological modeling. Notable projects include studying climate effects on bird migration, evaluating wetland habitat suitability, and assessing hybridization risks between domestic and wild mallards. His work integrates field studies, GIS analysis, and Bayesian modeling to inform conservation strategies.

Dr. Davis has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent contributions exploring topics like supraglacial lake detection, soil erosion modeling, and groundwater management. He has received awards such as the Society of Wetlands Scientists Travel Award and the Three Minute Thesis Award. His research also addresses socio-economic impacts, including cormorant predation on aquaculture and sustainable waterfowl hunting practices.

As a mentor, he advises graduate students on projects ranging from avian energetics to habitat restoration. He collaborates with institutions like the East Gulf Coastal Plain Joint Venture and Ducks Unlimited. His labs and field teams focus on applied research with direct conservation outcomes.