Concentration: Population Medicine & Epidemiology
Faculty Mentor: To Be Determined

Brief Biography:
Grace was born in Wisconsin and has a heritage of American and Guatemalan descent. She earned her B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from Michigan Technological University in 2023. Growing up around the Great Lakes, Grace developed a profound connection to water and its ecosystems. This interest, combined with her family's experiences in less-developed regions, highlighted the disparities in resources and the critical importance of One Health. Her interest in aquatic life was further fueled by maintaining aquariums and noticing the lack of medical and research focus on aquatic species. This led Grace to pursue research projects in fish microbiomes, aquatic pathogens, zoonoses, and antimicrobial resistance. When not immersed in research, Grace enjoys snorkeling, wildlife and underwater photography, crafting, and building various projects. 

Education:
B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science, Michigan Technological University, 2023

Research Interest:
Grace’s journey began with an innate love for aquatic environments and an awareness of global health disparities. Her undergraduate studies in Medical Laboratory Science sparked a fascination with bacteria, which evolved into a dedicated research project investigating the gut microbiome of fish. This research examined the differences between wild and captive fish, focusing on diet-induced dysbiosis and its broader implications for antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture efficiency. She began veterinary school with the goal of learning more about aquatic species, with the recent completion of AQUAVET I. 

As a researcher, Grace aims to leverage her passion for aquatics, microbiology, communication, and cultural understanding to advance One Health initiatives. She is particularly interested in studying the impact of human interactions and climate change on aquatic ecosystems. Grace is committed to expanding veterinary knowledge of aquatic animals, pathogens, and the humans that interact with these ecosystems through a One Health framework. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to sustainable food sources, while maintaining animal welfare, and environmental preservation through cross-disciplinary research and collaboration.