Dr. McGraw is a biologist and historian of science with broad training in the sciences, extensive administrative experience, and service with six federal agencies. 

He holds degrees in biology from California State Polytechnic University (Pomona), Utah State University and Oregon State University.  He has taught at such colleges and universities as Franklin, Bard, St. Thomas (MN), and the University of San Diego where he was Associate Provost and Professor of Biology for 16 years (through 2004). 

His more than 14 seasons as a Ranger/Naturalist with the National Park Service in three national parks and monuments, provide him with extensive natural history knowledge.

Dr. McGraw is a reserve Captain (0-6) with the U. S. Public Health Service commissioned officer corps.  His broad biological training and expertise in general biology, botany, microbiology, and other areas, have given him a solid foundation in the sciences.

Dr. McGraw served on the Board of Directors of Sigma Xi-The Scientific Research Society, and is an officer in the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  He has served as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.  He has been a grantee of the National Science Foundation, Eli Lilly and Company, and is continuously listed in various of the Who’s Who in America publications since 1984. 

Dr. McGraw has also been recognized with the Meritorious Public Service Award by the U.S. Navy—the Navy’s highest civilian honor—for his work in Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) education nationwide. 

His more than 100 publications include two books, several book chapters, and refereed articles (Isis, American Scientist, etc.), proceedings, reviews, and others.

Dr. McGraw presented the keynote address at the 70th anniversary symposium (November 30, 2007) of the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Please see additional pages in this website for further information.

***Dr. McGraw’s latest book project on the history of the Biology Directorate at NSF-an NSF contract-is described in the Projects section of this website.