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Leslie Burger

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Assistant Extension Professor of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Mississippi State University

Leslie M. Burger is an Assistant Extension Professor in the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. She has B.S. and M.A. degrees in wildlife biology from Murray State University and the University of Missouri, respectively, and a PhD from Mississippi State University (MSU) in wildlife ecology and education. Prior to her employment at MSU, she served as a wildlife biologist for a state conservation agency, a 4-H and community youth leader, and an educator.

Dr. Burger has been employed with MSU since May 2008 and has responsibilities for providing science-based educational programming on environmental science and conservation to youth, youth-serving adults, education professionals, and the general public. Her research and extension interests include informal STEM education, broadening STEM participation among minorities, effects of undergraduate research and professional internships, and citizen engagement in conservation actions. In addition to her Extension responsibilities, Leslie teaches undergraduate classes and serves as the Departmental undergraduate coordinator.

Experience

  • 2015–2019
    Assistant Extension Professor, Mississippi State University
  • 2013–2015
    Extension Instructor, Mississippi State University
  • 2008–2013
    Extension Associate, Mississippi State University

Education

  • 2018 
    MS Volunteer Leaders' Association, Outstanding Service and Support
  • 2018 
    Conference of Southeast Fish and Wildlife Agencies, John F. Dequine Award for Best Paper
  • 2017 
    Mississippi State University, Irwin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Advising
  • 2015 
    MS Institutions of Higher Learning, Diversity Award for Excellence
  • 2014 
    Mississippi State University, Diversity Award for Faculty
  • 2013 
    The Wildlife Society, Certified Associate Wildlife Biologist
  • 2013 
    EPA Gulf of Mexico Office, Gulf Guardian Award for Environmental Justice and Cultural Diversity
  • 2012 
    Mississippi State University Extension Service, Spirit of Excellence Award
  • 2011 
    Mississippi Wildlife Federation, Conservation Educator of the Year
  • 2011 
    Mississippi State University Extension Service, Outstanding Extension Non-faculty Employee
  • 2011 
    Southern Regional Extension Forestry Awards for Excellence, Bronze Award for Youth and Teacher Education Programs

Grants and Contracts

  • 2018
    Building Bridges: Broadening the STEM Conversation in Mississippi.
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    National Science Foundation
  • 2018
    Expansion of a producer-driven conservation research and demonstration network to facilitate farmer-to-farmer and natural resource professional education and outreach opportunities
    Role:
    co-PI
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • 2018
    Engaging Women and Minorities in Agriculture-Related Stem Disciplines through Mentoring, Leadership, and Experiential Learning
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • 2018
    Implementation Plan for the Red Bud-Catalpa Creek Watershed Phase 1
    Role:
    co-PI
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • 2017
    . Educational support through financial scholarships.
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • 2017
    . Inventory & Monitoring Assistance for the Southeast Region of the US National Wildlife Refuge System.
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • 2017
    Conservation Camps 2018: Recruiting and Equipping Conservationists
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
  • 2016
    Wildlife Research Technique Training
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • 2016
    Sustainability Training in Agricultural Resource Systems (STARS): A Train -the-Trainer Model for Agriculture and Natural Resource Professionals
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • 2015
    Mississippi BioBlitz
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    University of Mississippi