Mark Woodrey

Mark Woodrey is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University, where he has dedicated 20 years to coastal bird ecology research at the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. As a scientist with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, he pioneered the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GOMAMN) to advance avian conservation.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ohio State University
• Doctoral degree from the University of Southern Mississippi focusing on coastal bird migratory patterns

Woodrey's research centers on Coastal Bird Ecology and Avian Conservation, with intensive field studies of marsh birds including clapper rails, Mottled Ducks, and Yellow/Black Rails. He investigates prescribed fire impacts on Gulf Coast bird populations to inform habitat management strategies, blending ecological fieldwork with conservation decision science.

His scientific recognition includes:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director’s Honor Award (2021)

Woodrey actively mentors two master's students alongside a research associate, technician, and program manager while employing undergraduate scholars. He leads a nearly $4 million NOAA RESTORE Science Program grant examining fire ecology effects on Gulf bird populations to optimize conservation practices.

He co-founded the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GOMAMN), uniting regional conservation partners across the northern Gulf Coast to standardize avian monitoring and protection efforts.