Gray receives ARS recognition

Stewart Gray was among a group of senior research scientists recently recognized by The Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Gray was named the Senior Scientist of 2012 for the North Atlantic region.

Gray works in the biological pest management unit at the ARS Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health in Ithaca, N.Y.

His field of study focuses on virology and understanding the relationships between plant viruses and their insect vectors. He has worked for the ARS and Cornell University for 26 years. He is a professor in the department of plant pathology at Cornell.

Gray received a bachelor of science degree in marine biology from Southampton College, a master’s degree in entomology and a Ph.D. in plant pathology from North Carolina State.

Gray credits John Keeling, executive vice president and CEO of the National Potato Council, with his success in the potato industry.

John Keeling has been a huge help,” Gray said, “teaching me a little bit about the industry and the politics of the industry and how to link that with science and the politics together to work for the industry.””