Hey, I’m Dr. Marzell Gray. Students call me Dr. Gray. I am an Assistant Professor within the UMD Public Health Program at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I have a doctorate in Public Health, an MBA, and an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science. These degrees have led me to an interdisciplinary path of research and work. I currently have certifications in personal training and nutrition and have worked as a health coach. I have spearheaded several research projects throughout my career, collaborated on numerous initiatives, and introduced new programs to old institutions.

As a first-generation college student, I have been motivated by my desire to diversify education. My personal philosophy toward teaching and diversity in education actively works to empower students from diverse backgrounds and diverse learning environments. My research and initiatives seek to introduce students to the spaces and conversations that have traditionally overlooked them.

Recently, my work is focused on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), Internationalizing curriculum, publishing research related to the use of motivational interviewing, COIL, and an NIH grant related to structural inequities for mental health access and perceptions for Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) students. I am also a co-author of research to elevate the effectiveness of self-determination interventions using peer counseling to overcome barriers to treatment for smoking cessation.