Dr. Virginia Gray

Academic Area
Nutrition and Dietetics

 

  • Ph.D. in Nutrition, Mississippi State University
  • M.S. in Nutrition with Minor in Sociology, Mississippi State University
  • B.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition with Minor in Spanish, University of Florida

  • Community nutrition
  • Nutrition in policy
  • School nutrition
  • Global issues in nutrition
  • Social and cultural influences on food habits and nutrition status
  • Curriculum development

Yoshinaga, A., Gray, V. B., Barrack, M., Blaine, R. E., Smallwood, K. Factors Influencing Parents in Team Snacks Selections Vary by Desire for Changes. Accepted, January 2020, Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal.

Woglom, C., Gray, V. B.,Wang, L, Hill, M. (2019).Significant relationships exist between perceived and objective and diet quality in young adults. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (In-press) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2019.06.002

Minkow, S., Gray, V. B., Nguyen-Rodriguez, S.,Reiboldt, W., Gonitzke, D., Childers, J.Cooking attitudes, behaviors, and self-efficacy in relation to fruit and vegetable intake among young adults.Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences.(Accepted May 2019). 

Alencar, M.K., Johnson, K., Mullur, R., Gray, V.,Gutierrez, E. (2019). Telehealth-based health coaching increases mhealth device adherence and rate of weight loss in obese participants. Telemedicine and e-Health. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2019.0017

Nguyen, J., Rock, C. R., Gray, V. B., Claver, M., Costa, C. (2019). Product development considerations of flaxseed supplementation for the aging populations: A pilot study. Journal of Food Research, 8(3). doi: 10.5539/jfr.v8n3p42

Magammana, C., Rock, C., Gray, V.,Wang, L. A Comparison of the polyphenolic and free radical scavenging activity of cold brew versus hot brew black tea (camellia sinensis,theaceae). Journal of Food Research, 8(3). Doi: 10.5539/jfr.v8n3p35

Galvan, C., Meaney, K., Gray, V. B.(2018). Examining the reciprocal nature of service-learning for underserved students and pre-service teachers.Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0051

Gustin, L., & Gray, V.(2018). A sustainable cooking show intervention to address barriers contributing to suboptimal diets. Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 8(3), 699. doi: 10.4172/2155-9600.1000699 

Rafferty, A., Gray, V. B., Nguyen, J., Lin, S., Nguyen-Rodriguez, S., Barrack, M. (2018).  Parental perceptions of snacking in youth sports. Journal of the Nutrition Education and Behavior, 18, S1499-4046(18).

Chamberlain, A., Nguyen-Rodriguez, S., Gray, V. B., Reiboldt, W., Peterson, C., & Spruijt-Metz, D. (2018). Academic-related factors and emotional eating in adolescents. Journal of School Health, 88(7), 493-499.

Alencar, M.K., Johnson, K., Mullur, R., Gray, V.,Gutierrez, E., Korosteleva, O. (2017). Weight loss program using video conferencing is successful to induce body weight loss. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X17745471

Adams, E., Genter, P., Keefe, E., Sandow, K., Gray, V. B., Rotter, J., Chen, Y., Ipp, E. (2018). The effect of glucose on circulating glucagon- like peptide-1, insulin and glucagon in Hispanic adults with and without type 2 diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 135, 185-191.

Andrews, D., Gray, V. B.,Galvan, C., & Donlin, A. (2017). Qualitative evaluation of a fitness and nutrition-focused wellness program. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 46(1), 70-81.

Gray, V. B., Galvan, C., & Donlin, A. (2017). Integrating service learning into a research-based    advancedcommunity nutrition course. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 43(3), 257-271.

Gray, V. B., Gustin, L., Smith, K, & Jensen, L. (2015). Validating the made-from-scratch vs. traditional style approach for improving the nutritional quality of Heart Start menus. Infant, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition,7(6): 355-366. doi:10.1177/1941406415611475

Gray, V. B., Byrd, S. H., Fountain, B., Rader, N., & Fruge, A. (2015). Childhood nutrition in the Mississippi Delta. Health Promotion International, 31(4), 857-868.doi: 10.1093/heapro/dav072

Rader, N., Byrd, S. H., Fountain, B., Bounds, C., Gray, V. B., & Fruge, A.  (2015). We never see children in parks:  A qualitative examination of the role of safety concerns on physical activity among children. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 12, 1010-1016.

Gray, V. B., Byrd, S. H., Cossman, J. S., Chromiak, J., Cheek, W. & Jackson, G. (2007). Parental behaviors and attitudes towards child nutrition and weight: Variations by child’s weight. Nutrition Research, 27, 548-558. 

Gray, V. B., Byrd, S. H., Cossman, J. S., Chromiak, J., Cheek, W. & Jackson, G.  (2007). Family characteristics have limited ability to predict weight status of young children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107, 1204-9.

Gray, V. B., Cossman, J. S. & Powers, E. Stunted grown is associated with physical indicators of malnutrition but not food insecurity among rural school children in Honduras. (2006).Nutrition Research, 26, 549-555.

Gray,V. B., Cossman, J. S., Dodson, W. & Byrd, S. (2005). Dietary acculturation of Hispanic immigrants inMississippi.Salud Pública de México, 47, 351-60.

CONFERENCE PAPERS AND ABSTRACTS    

Hardman, Alisha, Gray, V. B.,Byrd, S. H. Food Parenting Philosophies and Practices of Low-Resource Families. National Council for Family Relations 2019, Fort Worth, TX.

Garcia, G., Gray, V. B., Moore, D. (2019). Eating Disorder Risk Among Student Veterans in a Southern California University. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 119(9), A-27.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2019, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Philadelphia, PA. 

Gray, V. B., Hardman, A., Byrd, S. H. (2019). Food-related decision patterns among SNAP participants in Mississippi. Society of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2019, Orlando, FL.

Yoshinaga, A. Gray, V. B., Barrack, M., Blaine, R. (2019). Snacking in youth sports. California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference 2019, Pomona, CA.

Towne, T., Gray, V. B., Hill, M., Wang, L.(2019). Does knowledge and/or use of MyPlate correlate to better diet quality? California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference 2019, Pomona, CA.

Chiong, R., Gray, V. B.(2018). Qualitative Findings of a Nutrition Education Intervention Pilot. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 118(9), A-67.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2018, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Washington, D. C.

Goh, V., LaRose, M., Gray, V.,Wang, L., Hill, M. (2018). The relationship between dietary fat and cognitive status in older adults. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 118(9), A-74.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2018, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Washington, D. C. 

Goh, V., Petersen, S., Gray, V.,Barrack, M., Wiss, D., Wang. (2018). Eating disorder risk evaluation for males in substance abuse recovery. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 118(9), A-28.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2018, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Washington, D. C. 

Lin, S., Gray, V., Galvan, C., Ede, A., Rodriguez, A. (2018). Impacts of a nutrition and fitness intervention on adolescent girls in a leadership academy. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 118(9), A-68.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2018, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Washington, D. C. 

Chiong, R. Gray, V. B. SUPERKIDS: The Development of a Family-Based Nutrition Curriculum Based on Food Parenting Literature.California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference 2018, Pomona, CA.

Lin, S., Gray, V. B., Galvan, C., Ede, A, Rodriguez, A.  A qualitative analysis of a nutrition and physical activity intervention focused on promoting eating competence and body satisfaction. California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference 2018, Pomona, CA.

Alai, N., Barrack, M., Gray, V. B.(2017).Development of a sport-specific curriculum addressing self-efficacy to optimize carbohydrate and calorie intake among male and female high school cross-country runners. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(9), A-43.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2017, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL. 

Lin, S.,Gray, V. B., Singh-Carlson, S., Cheffer, N., Chery, S.(2017).Community-based study of food, feeding, and opportunity in rural Haiti. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(9), A-20. Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2017, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL.

Lin, S., Gray, V. B.,Ngyuen-Rodriguez, S., Barrack, M., Rafferty, A., Nguyen, J.(2017).Parental perceptions of snacking environments in youth sports. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(9), A-30. Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2017, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL.

Minkow, S., Gray, V. B.,Gonitzke, D., Reiboldt, W. (2017).Cooking attitudes, behaviors, and self-efficacy in relation to fruit and vegetable intake among young adults. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(9), A-21. Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2017, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL.

Khouraki, N., Gray, V. B.,Frank, G., Khalil, L. (2017).The impact of key demographic factors on Arab-American perceptions of obesity and health. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(9), A-36. Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2017, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL.

Osterman, S., Barrack., M., Gray, V. B. (2017).A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of dietary supplement topics prioritized by collegiate athletes. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(9), A-16.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2017, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL.

Rafferty, A., Ratanapratum. J., Gray, V. B., Barrack, M., Nguyen-Rodriguez, S. Perceptions of snacks and drivers of snacking choices in youth sports. California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference 2017, Sacramento, CA. 

Zolfaghari, S., Wang, L., Gray, V. B., Roy, R., Goh, V. Hormonal birth control, vitamins, and depression: Examining the intakes of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 in oral contraceptive users. California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference 2017, Sacramento, CA. 

Lin, S., Gray, V. B., Galvan, C., Ede, A.  Development of a nutrition and physical activity intervention focused on promoting eating competence and body image. California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference 2017, Sacramento, CA. 

Rodriguez, A., Kenley, E., Ede, A., Galvan, C., Gray, V. B. Positive body appreciation intervention among female adolescents. Oral Session, AASM West Regional Conference, April 2017.

Adams, E. Genter, P., Gray, V. B.,Ipp, E. (abstract). (2016). The effect of glucose on glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in Hispanic adults with type two diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, or normal glucose tolerance. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(9), A-95. Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2016, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Boston, MA.

Moore, K., Gray, V. B.,Parker, E., Wiss, D. (abstract). (2016). Hands-on nutrition and culinary intervention within a substance use disorder residential treatment facility. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(9), A-20. Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2016, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Boston, MA.

Chakalian, M., Rock, C. R, Costa, C., Gray, V. B., Salcido, E., Liu, Y., Marquez, S. (abstract).  (2016). Consumer acceptability of a “sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) ginger (Zingiber officinale) crisp” prototype rich in dietary chemopreventative compounds and natural sugars in a whole food matrix. (Presented as a Poster Session at the Institute of Food Technology Annual Meeting, July 2016.)

Dizon, F., Wang, L., Parsons, P., Gray, V. B., Reiboldt, W. (abstract). (2016). Impact of modified dietary education combined with high energy/protein meals during hemodialysis treatment on protein and phosphorus intake and nutritional status in hypoalbuminemic hemodialysis patients. (Presented as a Poster Presentation at the Experimental Biology Conference, Spring 2016)

Rafferty, A., Wang, L., Parsons, P., Gray, V. B., Reiboldt, W. (abstract). (2016). Effect of dietary education and high energy/protein meals on lean body mass during hemodialysis treatment in hypoalbuminemic hemodialysis patients. (Presented as a Poster Presentation at the Experimental Biology Conference, Spring 2016)

Zolfhaghari, S., Wang, L, Gray, V. B., Roy, R. (abstract). (2016). The relationship between folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6intakes and depression in women who use hormonal oral contraceptives: 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. (Presented as a Poster Presentation at the Experimental Biology Conference, Spring 2016)

Gustin, L., Gray, V. B. (conference paper).(2016). Transitioning from typical to made-from-scratch child care menus in a Southern California central kitchen: Process and nutritional gains. (Presented as an Oral Presentation at the West Federation CHRIE Regional Conference, February 2016)

Gray, V. B., Barrack, M., Sauceda, A., Singh-Carlson, S. (abstract). (2015). Parent perceptions of healthy snack guidelines implemented in a Southern California Youth Soccer Organization. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 115 (9-S), A-82.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2015, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nashville, TN.

Gray, V. B. (abstract). (2014). Incorporation of globally-focused public health readings into an advanced community nutrition course: Impact on student understanding and engagement. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,114 (9-S), A-53.Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2015, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Atlanta, GA.

Hey, M., Gray, V. B.(abstract). Qualitative study of the impact of the 2011 earthquake in Fukushima, Japan on food production and procurement. (Presented as Poster Session at Southern California Public Health Association Annual Meeting, December 2013)

Braddock, V., Kauwell, P.A. Folic acid everyday website: An educational tool that educates and motivates consumers about neural tube defect risk reduction (abstract). (2001). Journal of the American Dietetic Association,101(9-S), A-53. Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition 2001, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, St. Louis, MO.

Accomplishments and Awards

2017 Best Paper in Foods and Nutrition Award, Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal (paper co-authored with thesis advisee: Andrews, D., Gray, V. B., Galvan, C., & Donlin, A. (2017). Qualitative evaluation of a fitness and nutrition-focused wellness program. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 46(1), 70-81.)

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Experiment Station Graduate Research Award, 2005

Mississippi Dietetic Association Dietetic Intern of the Year, 2002

Phi Kappa Phi National Fellowship Recipient, August 2001

Florida Dietetic Association Student of the Year, July 2001

University of Florida Outstanding Four Year Scholar, May 2001

J. Wayne Reitz Medal of Excellence, University of Florida, 2000