A toxicologist by training, PROF Gray’s research is focused in two areas. The first investigates the inhibition of microbial growth in the renewable fuel biodiesel. Funded by the Coast Guard Research & Development Center, his work assesses novel fuel additives to prevent fuel degradation and corrosion caused by fungal and bacterial growth at the oil/water interface. His second research focus investigates the interplay of oxidative stress and metabolism in the nematode worm C. elegans model system. PROF Gray is also the Coast Guard Academy’s subject matter expert in biological and chemical weapons. He serves as Chief Scientist for the Coast Guard’s Wastewater Surveillance Program, assessing SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater as a means of performing surveillance at Coast Guard training centers and cutters, including the academy.

PROF Gray is actively involved in national scientific societies and organizations. A full member of the Society of Toxicology, PROF Gray currently serves as co-chair of the Awards Committee of the SOT and Councilor of the Northeast Society of Toxicology. He chaired the SOT’s Learning Objectives Work Group to create the Undergraduate Toxicology Learning Framework. This resource, aligned with the Vision and Change movement for undergraduate biology education, has been used throughout the nation. PROF Gray is also a Fellow of the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE). He has co-moderated several workshops throughout the northeast helping academic departments adopt teaching and management philosophies and skills that increase equity and inclusivity in the classroom. He serves as Editor of Toxicology materials at CourseSource.org, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes inclusive- and evidence-based learning materials for undergraduate education.

Education

• B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1998, Pennsylvania State University
• Ph.D. Pathobiology, 2004, Pennsylvania State University

Courses Taught

• General Chemistry 1 and 2
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Science of Terrorism

Selected Publications and Presentations

• Casillas, R.P., N. Tewari-Singh, and J. P. Gray. (2021). Special issue: emerging chemical terrorism threats. Toxicol Mech Methods 31(4):239-241. https://doi.org/10.1080/15376516.2021.1904472
• Neumeister, S.M. and J.P. Gray. (2021). The Strategic National Stockpile: identification, support, and acquisition of medical countermeasures for CBRN incidents. Toxicol Mech Methods 31(4):308-321. https://doi.org/10.1080/15376516.2020.1853294
• Gray J.P., Curran C.P., Fitsanakis V.A., Ray S.D., Stine K.E., and Eidemiller B.J. 2019. Society of Toxicology Develops Learning Framework for Undergraduate Toxicology Courses Following the Vision and Change Core Concepts Model. Toxicol Sci. epub ahead of print. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfz090
• Sanders R.W., Crettol G.L., Brown J.D., Plummer P.T., Schendorf T.M., Oliphant A., Swithenbank S.B., Ferrante R.F., and Gray J.P. 2018. Teaching Electrochemistry in the General Chemistry Laboratory through Corrosion Exercises. J Chem Ed. 95(5): 842-846. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00416
• Google Scholar Profile

Honors

• Civilian of the Quarter (Senior), U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 2021
• Undergraduate Educator Award, Society of Toxicology, 2018
• Center for Advanced Studies Excellence in Scholarship Award, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 2017
• Superintendent’s Award for Excellence, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 2014

Professional Appointments

• Adjunct Professor, 2005-present, Biosecurity and Biodefense Master’s Program, University of Maryland World Campus, Adelphi, MD.
• Adjunct Graduate Faculty Member, 2007-present, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Warwick, RI.
• Adjunct Assistant Professor, 2008-present, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ.