In the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program, our professors are experts in their fields. Dr. Jay Goldring, PhD, brings over four decades of expertise in quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and consumer products industries. He joined the PSM program in July 2023 and now serves as the PSM Graduate Director and advisor in our Personal Care Science, Applied Food Science and Technology, and Drug Discovery and Development concentrations after a distinguished career that included leadership roles at Supergoop!, Avon, L’Oréal, Wyeth, Schering-Plough, and National Starch and Chemical. Earlier in his career, Dr. Goldring served as the lead toxicologist for the Wisconsin Health Department while also teaching public health and toxicology at institutions such as the University of Wisconsin, Rutgers (UMDNJ), and Jefferson University.
When he’s not in the classroom, Professor Goldring enjoys outdoor sports, especially running and swimming—and he is an avid bicyclist. Outside of working hours, you may find him commuting to Rutgers via bicycle or on a multiday bike-packing trip.
Read our Q&A with Professor Goldring to find out more about this hobby.
How did you first get into bicycling? What drew you to this hobby, and how long have you been riding?
I have been bicycling since I took off the training wheels. When I was younger, my friends and I left the house on summer mornings, biked around the neighborhood, went to each other's houses, and came home when it got dark. Occasionally, we'd take longer rides into unfamiliar areas, which gave us a sense of adventure and freedom. Unfortunately, children now don't bicycle nearly as much, traffic is heavier, they're more scheduled, and parents are afraid their children will get lost or injured. Mountain biking did not become popular until I became an adult, and early mountain bikes were not nearly as technically advanced as they are today. I bought my first "hard-tail" about 25 years ago and a full-suspension bike about 15 years ago.
What do you find to be enjoyable about cycling?
I'm not a technical person, but I like tinkering with my bike; it's much more approachable than a car. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I'm able to fix it and enjoy my ride.
I enjoy being outdoors without harming the environment. Mountain biking can be as thrilling as an ATV ride or skiing, and all it takes is a narrow path through the woods.
When the weather and daylight permit, I like to commute by bicycle; it makes the trip to work enjoyable and saves me money on gasoline.
Do you usually ride alone or with others (a group, friends, family, etc.)?
I usually take long weekend rides or mountain bike trips with groups of friends. I have taken multiday bike-packing trips with my daughter for the last 10 or so years; it's the highlight of my summer. During the pandemic, we cycled from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., along the Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Trail, a former railroad route through the Allegheny Mountains, then a towpath along the Potomac River. We have also been on camping trips to West Virginia, Georgia, and Minnesota.
Do you have a favorite route or place to cycle?
Unfortunately, we live in a congested area without much bicycling infrastructure. I don't like bicycling on highways with no shoulders or on busy urban roads. Morris County has a lot of great bicycle paths, including Patriots' Path and the Columbia Trail, both old railroad beds. Closer to home, I bicycle to Rutgers during Daylight Saving Time on the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath; during the winter, it's too dark. My favorite local places for mountain biking are Chimney Rock in Bridgewater and Lewis Morris Park in Mendham.
Have you ever participated in any cycling competitions or events?
I have taken group bicycle tours to the Poconos, upstate New York, and Moab, Utah. I have never participated in a cycling competition; I'm not in it for speed!
What are some challenges that you’ve faced as a cyclist?
Bicycling in our area can be dangerous. New Jersey has a law that cars must pass bicycles with at least 4 feet of clearance, but very few people know of or comply with this law; many drivers exceed the speed limit and pass me with inches to spare. Occasionally, drivers are openly hostile, shouting out the window, honking, or intentionally sideswiping me. E-bikes are a new hazard: they are much faster than traditional bicycles and use bicycle lanes and paths that used to be much safer. Anecdotally, I believe I read about at least one bicycling accident per month in our area resulting in injury or death. The only way to avoid accidents is to be constantly alert and assume the driver or e-bike rider doesn't see you.
Do you have any advice for students on trying a new hobby that’s outside of their comfort zone?
If the hobby involves interacting with other people, such as cycling, ensure you understand the rules surrounding your participation and how others may react to you. When cycling, keep your bike in good working condition, learn the rules of the road, and always remain aware. This advice is relevant to all outdoor sports, such as skiing, running, and golf.
To learn more about Professor Goldring, read his introduction on our blog.