An expert in bovine infectious diseases, Grooms has been an active researcher in his academic career, receiving multiple grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, higher education institutions and private companies. Grooms holds board certification from the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists with a specialty in veterinary virology. He is a former president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and has served on the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's Committee on Animal Health. Among his awards are the President’s Award from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the Thomas Palmer Award from the Michigan State Fair, the Distinguished Teaching Faculty Award from Michigan State University’s Masters in Food Safety Program, and the Outstanding Extension Specialist from the Michigan Association of Extension Agents.