Person

Matt Gray

Professor | School of Natural Resources

Specialization: Disease Ecology, Epidemiology, Wetland Ecology

Overview

Dr. Gray is the associate director of the UTIA Center for Wildlife Health and specializes in disease ecology. His interests include transmission dynamics of emerging infectious disease and identifying management strategies that can thwart or eradicate outbreaks. Dr. Gray has degrees in wildlife ecology, mathematics and statistics, and uses these skills to unravel complex epidemiological interactions with his students, post-docs, and colleagues. Dr. Gray also studies wetland ecosystems, especially focusing on anthropogenic impacts on wetland communities and management activities to conserve biodiversity.

Research Focus

Wildlife Disease Ecology and Wetland Ecology

Research Questions
  • 1. What is the risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) invasion to North American salamander populations? We are answering this question by testing the susceptibility of 50+ species with phylogenetic representation across Caudata, and geographical mapping invasion risk in the USA as a combination of species distributions, host susceptibility, and environmental suitability of Bsal.
  • 2. What transmission pathways are most influential in contributing to Bsal invasion potential? We are answering this question using a combination of controlled experiments that estimate the probability of transmission due to host contact and the environment under various conditions. Estimates are used to parameterize a system of differential equations that will simulate outbreak scenarios and produce pathway-specific estimates of R0. Identifying influential transmission pathways and the conditions under which outbreaks increase is fundamental to conceiving effective disease management strategies.
  • 3. What are the mechanisms of Bsal pathogenesis? Using a combination of controlled experiments and clinical and anatomical pathology diagnostics, we are identifying the causes of Bsal chytridiomycosis. These findings can lead to the development of therapies to treat infected and naïve animals, and increase their resistance or tolerance to Bsal colonization of host skin.
  • 4. What is the role of international trade and captive facilities in the evolution of virulent pathogens and spillover to wild populations? We are using a combination of pathogen surveillance in captive and wild populations, and whole genome sequencing to identify novel and chimeric strains and their likely source of origin. Using knock-out approaches, we can identify genes contributing to virulence, which can lead to development of immune therapies. Also, by combining trade and consumer behavioral information, we can produce spatially explicit estimates of spillover likelihood to wild populations.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
FORS 512 - Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

Current developments in forestry. All thesis-option M.S. students must complete the course twice during their program.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.

Other Instructors: Kwit, Charles | Muller, Lisa Irene

FWF 603 - Research Planning
1 - 15 credit hours

Preliminary research and investigation of dissertation research topic.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 21 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level -graduate.

FWF 612 - Seminar in Natural Resources
1 credit hour(s)

Current issues and developments in natural resources. All natural resource doctoral students must complete 612 twice during their program of study.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 3 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level -graduate.

Other Instructors: Kwit, Charles | Muller, Lisa Irene

WFS 101 - Current Topics in Wildlife Health
1 credit hour(s)

All aspects of wildlife health, including current topics, emerging diseases, impact of diseases on wildlife populations, general disease mechanisms, and career opportunities in the wildlife profession.

Other Instructors: Miller, Deb

WFS 340 - Wetlands Ecology and Management
2 credit hour(s)

Ecology, restoration, and management of wetland ecosystems, including biotic and abiotic processes, functions, and wildlife considerations. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : WFS 100; and FWF 212, FWF 250, FWF 310, and FWF 315.

WFS 433 - Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
3 credit hour(s)

In-depth examination of amphibian life-history strategies, community interactions, and hypothesized mechanisms of amphibian declines. Also covers amphibian monitoring, conservation and management. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both WFS 433 and WFS 533.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : FORS 215 or BIOL 260.

WFS 512 - Seminar in Wildlife and Fisheries Science
1 credit hour(s)

Current developments in wildlife and fisheries science. All M.S. student must complete the course twice during their program.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.

Other Instructors: Kwit, Charles | Muller, Lisa Irene

WFS 533 - Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
3 credit hour(s)

An in-depth examination of amphibian life-history strategies, community interactions, and hypothesized mechanisms of amphibian declines. Amphibian monitoring, conservation and management techniques also are covered. Credit Restriction: Student cannot receive credit for both 433 and 533.
Recommended Background: Forestry 215 or Biology 250.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

WFS 593 - Independent Study in Wildlife and Fisheries Science
1 - 4 credit hours

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.

Picture of Matt Gray
455 Agriculture and Natural Resource Building
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • PhD, Natural Resources/Conservation, General, Texas Tech University, 2002
  • MS, Wildlife Biology, Mississippi State University, 1995
  • BS, Wildlife Biology, Michigan State University, 1993

Matt Gray

Professor | School of Natural Resources
Picture of Matt Gray image
455 Agriculture and Natural Resource Building
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • PhD, Natural Resources/Conservation, General, Texas Tech University, 2002
  • MS, Wildlife Biology, Mississippi State University, 1995
  • BS, Wildlife Biology, Michigan State University, 1993
Overview

Dr. Gray is the associate director of the UTIA Center for Wildlife Health and specializes in disease ecology. His interests include transmission dynamics of emerging infectious disease and identifying management strategies that can thwart or eradicate outbreaks. Dr. Gray has degrees in wildlife ecology, mathematics and statistics, and uses these skills to unravel complex epidemiological interactions with his students, post-docs, and colleagues. Dr. Gray also studies wetland ecosystems, especially focusing on anthropogenic impacts on wetland communities and management activities to conserve biodiversity.

Research Focus

Wildlife Disease Ecology and Wetland Ecology

Research Questions
  • 1. What is the risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) invasion to North American salamander populations? We are answering this question by testing the susceptibility of 50+ species with phylogenetic representation across Caudata, and geographical mapping invasion risk in the USA as a combination of species distributions, host susceptibility, and environmental suitability of Bsal.
  • 2. What transmission pathways are most influential in contributing to Bsal invasion potential? We are answering this question using a combination of controlled experiments that estimate the probability of transmission due to host contact and the environment under various conditions. Estimates are used to parameterize a system of differential equations that will simulate outbreak scenarios and produce pathway-specific estimates of R0. Identifying influential transmission pathways and the conditions under which outbreaks increase is fundamental to conceiving effective disease management strategies.
  • 3. What are the mechanisms of Bsal pathogenesis? Using a combination of controlled experiments and clinical and anatomical pathology diagnostics, we are identifying the causes of Bsal chytridiomycosis. These findings can lead to the development of therapies to treat infected and naïve animals, and increase their resistance or tolerance to Bsal colonization of host skin.
  • 4. What is the role of international trade and captive facilities in the evolution of virulent pathogens and spillover to wild populations? We are using a combination of pathogen surveillance in captive and wild populations, and whole genome sequencing to identify novel and chimeric strains and their likely source of origin. Using knock-out approaches, we can identify genes contributing to virulence, which can lead to development of immune therapies. Also, by combining trade and consumer behavioral information, we can produce spatially explicit estimates of spillover likelihood to wild populations.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
FORS 512 - Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

Current developments in forestry. All thesis-option M.S. students must complete the course twice during their program.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.

Other Instructors: Kwit, Charles | Muller, Lisa Irene

FWF 603 - Research Planning
1 - 15 credit hours

Preliminary research and investigation of dissertation research topic.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 21 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level -graduate.

FWF 612 - Seminar in Natural Resources
1 credit hour(s)

Current issues and developments in natural resources. All natural resource doctoral students must complete 612 twice during their program of study.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 3 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level -graduate.

Other Instructors: Kwit, Charles | Muller, Lisa Irene

WFS 101 - Current Topics in Wildlife Health
1 credit hour(s)

All aspects of wildlife health, including current topics, emerging diseases, impact of diseases on wildlife populations, general disease mechanisms, and career opportunities in the wildlife profession.

Other Instructors: Miller, Deb

WFS 340 - Wetlands Ecology and Management
2 credit hour(s)

Ecology, restoration, and management of wetland ecosystems, including biotic and abiotic processes, functions, and wildlife considerations. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : WFS 100; and FWF 212, FWF 250, FWF 310, and FWF 315.

WFS 433 - Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
3 credit hour(s)

In-depth examination of amphibian life-history strategies, community interactions, and hypothesized mechanisms of amphibian declines. Also covers amphibian monitoring, conservation and management. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both WFS 433 and WFS 533.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : FORS 215 or BIOL 260.

WFS 512 - Seminar in Wildlife and Fisheries Science
1 credit hour(s)

Current developments in wildlife and fisheries science. All M.S. student must complete the course twice during their program.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.

Other Instructors: Kwit, Charles | Muller, Lisa Irene

WFS 533 - Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
3 credit hour(s)

An in-depth examination of amphibian life-history strategies, community interactions, and hypothesized mechanisms of amphibian declines. Amphibian monitoring, conservation and management techniques also are covered. Credit Restriction: Student cannot receive credit for both 433 and 533.
Recommended Background: Forestry 215 or Biology 250.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

WFS 593 - Independent Study in Wildlife and Fisheries Science
1 - 4 credit hours

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.