Dr. Gregory Erianne

Dr. Gregory Erianne, associate professor of biology, has always had a love for both aviation and science. Though science ultimately pulled into first place, aviation has certainly given his interest a run for its money.

Dr. Erianne began his career in aviation after graduating high school. He enlisted in the military and although he was unable to pursue his dream of piloting a helicopter, he jumped at the chance to train as an air traffic controller during his three year tour. While serving, he was able to complete his bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). After his tour, he began working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an enroute air traffic controller in Long Island. But in the summer of 1981, his career path took an unexpected turn when PATCO (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization) voted to go on strike and the striking controllers were fired by President Reagan.

From there, his love of science and aviation played tug-of-war for several years. He spent time programming software for pharmaceutical companies, worked as a flight instructor, and began working his way toward a Ph. D. in experimental pathology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). While earning his degree, he was hired to work part-time to teach in the bioinformatics program, leading to a full-time position.

“I realized the part I loved most was teaching. I opted to try and find a teaching position at a community college where teaching comes before research,” says Dr. Erianne.  He began teaching at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Connecticut and taught there for 13 years before coming to back to New Jersey to be closer to his family.

“I loved the things I had heard about CCM,” he says.  “I haven't been disappointed: The faculty and staff at CCM have been nothing short of fabulous and the students here are wonderful!”

Along with his B.A. in professional aeronautics, he earned a B.S. in Zoology from Rutgers University, a certificate in Healthcare Informatics from UMDNJ, and a Masters and Ph. D. in Experimental Pathology from UMDNJ.