He has broad interests in the life science, including genomics, cytogenetics, cell biology, morphology, behaviour, physiology, developmental biology, ecology, and palaeontology -- all linked by the unifying theme of evolution. His main research focuses primarily on the issue of genome sizeevolution (the "C-value enigma") in animals and the origins and biological significance of "junk DNA". He outlined the Onion Test as a "reality check for anyone who thinks they have come up with a universal function for junk DNA". He created the Animal Genome Size Database in 2001.[2] He is also active in the DNA barcoding initiative spearheaded by his former Ph.D. adviser, Paul D.N. Hebert at the University of Guelph, with a particular focus on parasites, pathogens, and disease vectors.
Gregory is the author of more than 65 peer-reviewedscientific journal articles with an h-index of 51 according to Google Scholar,[3][4] and edited the book The Evolution of the Genome in 2004. He is Senior Handling Editor of the journal Evolution: Education and Outreach founded by Niles Eldredge.[5] He maintained a blog, Genomicron,[6] and created Evolver Zone,[7] an online resource for students and educators.
He has received several awards, including the NSERC Howard Alper Postdoctoral Prize (2003),[8] a McMaster Alumni Association Arch Award (2005),[9]anAmerican Society of Naturalists Young Investigator Prize (2006),[10] the Canadian Society of Zoologists Bob Boutilier New Investigator Award (2007),[11] a University of Guelph Faculty Association Distinguished Professor Award for teaching (2008),[12] and the Genetics Society of Canada Robert H. Haynes Young Scientist Award (2010).[13]
In addition to his scientific and educational interests, he has developed BioArt projects using living organisms. His Microbial Art website, which showcases works by a variety of artists and scientists, has been featured in print and online publications in a variety of countries.[14]
