James.Cray@osumc.edu
614-293-6490
Professor
Education and training
- Post-Doc: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Cleft-Craniofacial Center, Pittsburgh PA
- PhD: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
- MA: Kent State University, Kent OH
- BA: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
Teaching interests
I have taught anatomy across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, adapting my approach to meet diverse learner needs. Since joining Ohio State, I’ve taught all four anatomical subfields—gross anatomy, embryology, histology, and neuroanatomy—across varied curricula. I emphasize a hands-on, clinically integrated approach: short lectures paired with cadaveric dissection, clinical vignettes, and real-world correlations. I currently direct the Anatomy Graduate Program and oversee anatomy service courses to the College of Dentistry, which creates valuable interdisciplinary teaching opportunities.
In the lab, I train students in histology, molecular biology, and imaging techniques, encouraging them to troubleshoot and adapt protocols to their research questions. I’ve mentored learners at every level—from undergraduates to postdocs—and serve on numerous thesis and dissertation committees. My goal is to provide high-quality, responsive instruction that evolves with student feedback and curricular needs. Whether teaching core anatomy or interdisciplinary content like mineralized tissue histochemistry, I strive to connect foundational science with clinical relevance and research application.
Research interests
My research focuses on craniofacial and bone biology, particularly gene–environment interactions in craniofacial development. A major emphasis of my current work is on the effects of maternal exposure to nicotine and emerging delivery systems like electronic cigarettes. These products are widely used, yet their long-term developmental impacts remain poorly understood. My lab has developed in vitro and in vivo models to investigate how nicotine and/or e-cigarette component exposure during pregnancy may disrupt craniofacial growth.
This work builds on a broader research program exploring teratogenic influences on craniofacial anomalies, including maternal hyperthyroidism and prescription drugs used to treat major depressive disorders. I also study bone regeneration using preclinical models, examining the biomechanics and safety of BMP2 and combinatory therapies. My findings have informed clinical considerations for pediatric craniofacial surgery.
Collaborations with dental and surgical clinicians have enabled translational studies that bridge bench and bedside. Additionally, I have foci in comparative anatomy and cranial base cartilage development in primates, integrating histological investigation with developmental biology. This multifaceted approach supports both my research and teaching missions while addressing critical public health questions.