Former Celina Resident Grace Gramza Pursues Water Quality Research at Michigan State

CELINA — Former Celina resident Grace Gramza says her passion for science, engineering, and environmental problem solving began early and has now led her into water quality research at Michigan State University.

Gramza, a Celina High School graduate, is studying biosystems engineering with a dual concentration in ecosystems and energy. She said growing up in an outdoorsy family helped shape her interest in science and the environment.

Gramza said that as she got closer to graduation, she realized she wanted a career focused on solving problems and developing systems that could address real world issues. She initially entered Michigan State as an environmental engineering major, but after talking with an advisor about her interest in water quality, she switched to biosystems engineering just days after arriving on campus.

She said concerns closer to home also helped guide that decision.

Gramza said growing up around Grand Lake St. Marys and hearing about harmful algae issues made her start asking how problems like that could be fixed. She said that curiosity pushed her toward the work she is doing now.

Her current research focuses on harmful algal blooms and how they affect water quality. Gramza said the blooms are becoming more unpredictable because of climate change and can create major health concerns for communities.

She said her project uses remote sensing and satellite technology to track chlorophyll-a concentrations in bodies of water, which can serve as an indicator of harmful algae blooms. From there, she hopes to connect that data to extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and storms.

Gramza said the goal is to better understand bloom patterns so communities can prepare more effectively, protect drinking water, and shape policies that respond to changing environmental conditions.

She also recently received a major national scholarship tied to leadership in environmental issues, public policy, and health related fields. Gramza said she was overjoyed when she learned she had been selected and said the recognition affirmed her desire to use her work to benefit communities.

She said her long term goal is to work as an engineer, possibly in research and development, helping create solutions that can also inform environmental policy.

Gramza said stronger and more direct solutions are needed to address water quality problems, not only for human health, but also for plants and animals that rely on those ecosystems.

For students back home who may be interested in science, engineering, or research, Gramza said the best advice she can offer is to stay curious, keep asking questions, and be open to new experiences.

She said taking chances has already opened important doors for her, including a summer opportunity in Idaho that turned into one of the best experiences of her life.