ACC Staff Spotlight: Grace Crain-Wright
For this ACC Staff Spotlight, let's get to know Grace Crain-Wright, Director of the Colorado Space Institute at ACC and how she's moving mountains to help our students and our community!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in Arvada with my husband, Sam, my daughter, Annie, and our dog, Murphy. I am big reader, enjoy watching movies, painting (when I can), and writing. I love being outside and exploring new places.
What is your job at ACC?
Director of the Colorado Space Institute at ACC
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
As the Director of CSI, my primary function is to work with faculty and staff from ACC, industry, and other institutions to create programs that align with the needs of the space and aerospace
industry in Colorado.
How long have you been at ACC?
Just over a year.
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
I am part of the GLOBE International STEM Network, an international network supported by NASA's GLOBE Program - I use to oversee this group :) It is a great way to connect with scientists on a global level!
I am on the BTD Team at ACC (but I am pretty sure this is supposed to be a secret)! ;) I love supporting faculty and staff and wanted to be part of a group that creates fun experiences to celebrate faculty and staff at ACC!
Why did you choose ACC?
Since I moved to Colorado back in 2021, I have always been paying attention to ACC and the community college system because I have always wanted to teach and work at the CC level. Last August, I was originally was hired on as an Environmental Science Instructor, but my fall class was cancelled. Thankfully, the director position came along and I truly believed it was a perfect fit for me! I am thrilled to be working (and teaching) at ACC!
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
- Planning and executing the launch of the Colorado Space Institute and mini-symposium event in March (which happened to land on the same day as my daughter's 1st birthday!)
- Teaching my first semester of Environmental Science - it has been a blast!
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
To intentionally develop space-focused pathways that support and prepare student and all learners to enter the space workforce.
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
Working with the Studio Art students to design the logo for the institute. Amazing students :)
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
I have moved 10 times, lived in 5 different states, and 4 different countries.
Top 5 Books
No particular order - 5 of my favorite books:
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
You do not have to have everything figured out now. Take your time, explore, try new things. Ask questions and always ask for help if you need it. There are so many people around that want to see you succeed!
Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alumni that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.