Bernadette E. Grayson

Bernadette E. Grayson serves as Associate Dean and Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center's School of Population Health, with dual appointments in the Department of Neurology. Her academic journey spans neuroscience, clinical research, and population health, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise.

• B.S. in Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1997)
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience & M.C.R., Oregon Health Science University (2009)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Cincinnati (2014)
• Certificate in Population Health Science, UMMC (2026)

Her research focuses on traumatic brain injury mechanisms in pediatric models, metabolic consequences of spinal cord injury, and transgenerational impacts of bariatric surgery. She employs rodent models to investigate diet-gut-brain interactions, with particular emphasis on health disparities affecting Mississippi youth. Current work examines epigenetic impacts of social determinants of health on diabetes predisposition.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in juvenile neurotrauma models (60%), bariatric surgery outcomes (25%), and spinal cord injury metabolism (15%). Her work consistently integrates immunometabolism, microbiome analysis, and sex-specific responses across all domains.

• 21st Century Development Award (Cervical Spine Research Society, 2021)
• Research Excellence Gold Medal (UMMC, 2019)
• Four consecutive NIH Pediatric Loan Repayment Awards (2012-2018)
• Neuroendocrinology Training Award (NIH, 2010)

Dr. Grayson actively mentors 26 graduate students and postdocs, with current advisees investigating pediatric TBI microbiome interactions and bariatric pregnancy outcomes. Her $12.7M in active funding includes NIGMS R01 grants targeting diabetes disparities and novel TBI therapies. She directs the School of Population Health's research initiatives while maintaining lab operations focused on rodent models of neurotrauma and metabolic disease.