Contact: Sammy McDavid
Matthew R. Burnham of Collins is being honored by the Poultry Science Association for his study of a blood disease affecting commercial laying hens.
Burnham, a doctoral student in animal physiology at Mississippi State University, recently took first place honors for his research report given at the 89th annual meeting of the international organization. Specifically, his investigation of F-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum was recognized with the association's 2000 Student Certificate of Excellence.
Founded in 1908, PSA is a professional organization for some 3,500 educators, scientists, extension specialists, administrators, and poultry industry producers. Its 2000 convention was held in Montreal, Canada.
Burnham, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rex Burnham, is a Seminary Attendance Center and Jones County Junior College graduate who went on to receive a bachelor's degree in animal science at MSU in 1997 and a master's in poultry science two years later. He was a Dean's Scholar during his undergraduate studies at the Starkville school.
For the past two years, Burnham has served as president of the MSU Graduate Student Association, the elected body representing all enrolled in master's- and doctoral-level programs.