E.M. Gregory, associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "associate professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1975, Gregory conducted research that increased understanding of the metal ion selectivity of cambialistic superoxide dismutases, a family of enzymes devoted to detoxification of reactive oxygen species that damage cellular components and tissues.

As associate professor, Gregory advised hundreds of biochemistry students and provided students with instructive experimental learning activities in both laboratory activities and undergraduate research projects. Gregory also supported the Governor’s School for Agriculture and the Fralin Biotechnology Center’s high school teacher summer program.

To his colleagues, he was a departmental steward and leader and was elected repeatedly to the department’s faculty advisory committee. He also served as an advisor and mentor to numerous faculty and biochemistry department heads.

Gregory received his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina.

Written by Krystyne Hayes. Hayes, of Front Royal, Va., holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

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