Donna Morgan

Research Associate II
Poultry Science
Years in Position/ Service to MSU: 14 years

For Donna Morgan, variety is what makes her work exciting. As a Research Associate II in Mississippi State University’s Department of Poultry Science, she manages nutrition labs, trains graduate and undergraduate students on lab equipment, supervises lab activities, assists in classroom labs, and keeps inventory organized.

“There is a lot of variety in my role, which means I do not have to worry about having a boring day,” Morgan said. “Every day brings something new, and I love being a part of the research that impacts the poultry industry.”

Morgan’s career began in animal science and the racing industry, where she worked as an analytical chemist for state drug testing labs. When she moved to Starkville—where parimutuel racing isn’t present—she needed a new path. Wanting to stay in agriculture, she found her position at MSU by chance. Unsure about working with students and not knowing what to expect, Morgan quickly found a home at the university.

“I enjoy working in the lab and helping students from research project to classroom activities, it keeps my days interesting,” Morgan said.

Her favorite memory comes from a large broiler nutrition research trial during COVID-19 restrictions, with a tropical storm on the way and one very early morning. The barn was too tight to work in under pandemic guidelines, so the team planned to weigh and sort over 2,000 birds outside. On a normal day, this would have been simple, but with a storm approaching, they had to improvise. Using departmental tailgating tents, surgery lamps, and headlights, they started sorting at 1 a.m. and finished nine hours later. The broilers were put away just in time for the team to head home and prepare for the storm.

“The trial wasn’t ruined, but the tents and lamps were a total loss,” Morgan said.

Outside of work, Morgan enjoys all things quilting. She is involved with The Golden Triangle Quilters Guild in Starkville and stays active at the state level with the Mississippi Quilt Association.