Transforming Space Travel with Nutrient Recycling
Grace Crain-Wright, a plant ecologist and STEM educator, takes us on an extraordinary journey from her academic roots in the US to her cutting-edge research at ETH Zurich.
As a key figure in the European Space Agency’s MELiSSA project, Grace pioneers nutrient recycling technologies for sustainable space travel, bridging environmental and space sciences. Her work embodies interdisciplinary innovation, integrating indigenous knowledge and multicultural perspectives to tackle global challenges. Beyond research, Grace inspires future generations through the GLOBE program, engaging students worldwide with hands-on STEM education tied to earth and space sciences. Her reflections on balancing life, mentorship, and science highlight the human side of discovery, offering a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and a passion for creating a sustainable future both on Earth and beyond.
Listen to her story on Spotify and Apple Music.
Previous episodes can be found at PODCAST – ETH CIRCLE