Chantinae Gray: A champion for sustainable agriculture and food security

Above: Chantinae Gray (front, center) is the president of the Central State University chapter of Minorities in Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) and a distinguished student researcher at CSU. 

Chantinae Gray, a graduating senior at Central State University, has distinguished herself as a passionate and driven leader in sustainable agriculture and food security. 

Image

An Honors College student majoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology with minors in Biology and Nutrition, Gray's academic journey has been fueled by a commitment to improving global food systems and empowering underrepresented communities. 

Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, Gray’s passion for agriculture, environmental justice, and food security is deeply personal. Learning that the Bahamas imports over $1 billion worth of food annually — making its food systems highly vulnerable to economic and environmental disruptions — sparked her drive to find sustainable solutions that strengthen local food systems in the Caribbean and beyond. 

Throughout her time at Central State, Gray has built an impressive portfolio of research and leadership experiences. She serves as president of the University’s chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANNRS), a national organization focused on fostering diversity and excellence in agriculture and related fields. Through MANNRS, Gray has expanded her network, connected with fellow agricultural leaders, and uncovered new opportunities for research and service. 

Gray’s research contributions are extensive. In Dr. Sakthi Kumaran’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Information Management (ANRIM) Lab, she worked on projects designed to create sustainable agricultural solutions for underrepresented communities. She contributed to the SUSHI (Sustainable Use of a Safe Hemp Ingredient) project led by Dr. Brandy E. Phipps, and completed internships with the World Resources Institute exploring issues of environmental equity and justice. 

Her recent work on the SUSHI project focuses on innovative approaches to sustainable aquaculture, including collaborating with Dr. KrishnaKumar Nedunuri to design and build an aquaculture system in the high tunnel across U.S. Route 42 and conducting research with Dr. Femi Fawole, an aquaculture feed expert, studying the potential of hemp as a sustainable fish feed ingredient. 

As part of this research, Gray presented her findings at Central State’s 11th Land-Grant Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities Day. Her poster, which reviewed her ongoing work with the SUSHI project, focused on developing a methodology for using hemp as a feed ingredient for rainbow trout.  

Image

The project aims to modify hemp processing to achieve the nutritional needs of aquaculture feed — targeting at least 50% protein, around 10% fiber, and moderate fats. Gray and the SUSHI team have been experimenting with methods such as cold pressing to lower lipid levels and raise protein content in hemp hearts, showing promising results though further refinements are needed. For her presentation, Gray received a presentation award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to sustainable aquaculture research. 

“Chantinae is one of the most remarkable students I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Dr. Phipps said. “She is bright and motivated, and she also has this great ability to understand how the things that she’s learning apply to the bigger picture of helping people and the world. I have no doubt she will continue to excel, and I am incredibly proud of everything she’s achieved.” 

Looking ahead, Gray plans to pursue graduate studies in food systems. Her long-term goal is to lower food imports, support local farmers, and address health issues such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease — all closely linked to food security and nutrition — in the Bahamas. 

“My ultimate goal is to strengthen local agriculture, promote sustainable food production, and help create healthier communities,” Gray said. 

Through her academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to service, Gray has already begun making a profound impact — and she is just getting started.