Mark McConnell

Mark McConnell is an Associate Professor at Mississippi State University, serving as Coordinator of the James Kennedy and Bryan Endowed Program for Upland Birds and Prairie Conservation within the College of Forest Resources and Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. His research focuses on habitat optimization using geospatial technologies and precision agriculture.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Forest Resources, Mississippi State University
• Master of Science (MS), Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Mississippi State University
• Bachelor of Science (BS), Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Louisiana State University

McConnell's research integrates precision agriculture with wildlife conservation, emphasizing:

• Optimizing conservation practices using GIS and remote sensing
• Wildlife-habitat relationships in agricultural landscapes
• Human dimensions of conservation programs
• Waterfowl and upland bird population dynamics
• Machine learning applications in ecological studies
• Drone-based wildlife monitoring systems

His recent publications highlight advancements in:

• Thermal imaging for quail population surveys
• Machine learning for marginal land identification
• Migratory patterns of Ring-necked Ducks
• Deer management cooperative effectiveness
• Microhabitat selection in pine forests
• Economic-ecological tradeoff analysis

McConnell trains graduate students in applied conservation and contributes to programs like the Center for Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts and Natural Resource Enterprises.