FERRUM, VA, November 4, 2026 — Ferrum College senior Maranda “Gracie” Edwards, a Martinsville native whose agricultural research advances innovative growing practices and environmental stewardship, has been named a Student Innovator by the Southern Piedmont Technology Council (SPTC).
Edwards was among seven individuals and organizations honored at SPTC’s 2026 Innovation Stars Awards Banquet on October 27 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville. The annual awards recognize achievements that strengthen southern Virginia through technology, entrepreneurship, education, and community leadership.
An agricultural sciences major with a horticulture emphasis, Edwards maintains a 4.0 GPA while applying her academic knowledge to research with practical implications for commercial agriculture and regional environmental health.
As an AgTech intern this summer at the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, Edwards contributed to research on hydroponic production of edible signet marigolds. Her work evaluated three cultivars grown at varying fertilizer rates to identify cultivation practices that maximize plant growth, flowering, and overall quality. The findings are intended to help regional commercial growers make informed decisions about production methods, nutrient management, and crop performance.
“Winning the Student Innovator Award means so much to me because it recognizes the curiosity and hard work I’ve put into becoming an agricultural scientist. This honor gives me even more confidence to keep asking questions and pursuing a future in agricultural science. I am beyond grateful for IALR and Ferrum College for giving me the opportunity, space, and creative freedom to explore my scientific curiosity. With their guidance, I was able to turn my ideas into meaningful research,” Edwards said.
Throughout the summer Edwards also worked with Ferrum College’s Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. Specializing in microscopic algae analysis, she examined water samples to identify and count algal species, documenting ecological changes that help researchers monitor the lake’s health and support the preservation of its natural resources. Edwards is second from left in the photo of this summer’s four student technicians in a Garber Hall lab.
“Gracie’s recognition as a Student Innovator reflects the exceptional talent, curiosity, and commitment to meaningful work that we strive to cultivate at Ferrum College,” said Ferrum College President Mirta M. Martin. “She is applying her knowledge in ways that advance agricultural innovation while contributing to the stewardship of our region’s natural resources. We are incredibly proud of Gracie and the way she represents Ferrum College and the promise of Southern Virginia’s next generation of innovators.”
Ferrum College Professor of Crop Science Tim Durham praised Edwards’ contributions to both research initiatives.
“Gracie has been an indispensable part of our Ferrum ecosystem. This is a fitting bookend to her academic career, pulling double duty at IALR and the lake project. She’s thrived in both communities of practice, performing cutting-edge research at an innovation incubator and critical monitoring with citizen scientists—successfully modeling Ferrum’s ethic of ‘Not Self, But Others,’” Durham said.
Edwards credits Ferrum College’s emphasis on experiential learning and faculty mentorship with helping shape her academic and professional goals.
“Ferrum College has been an incredible place to learn, grow, and build the foundation for my future,” Edwards said. “I’ve loved being part of a campus where the faculty truly invest in their students and where hands-on learning is part of everyday life.”
After graduating this fall, Edwards plans to pursue a master’s degree in horticulture at Virginia Tech. Her long-term aspirations include opening her own “Purple Farm,” specializing in anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables, while continuing research to improve indoor growing systems and crop performance.
Through her work in controlled-environment agriculture and environmental monitoring, Edwards exemplifies the impact of Ferrum College’s hands-on approach to education, preparing students to apply their knowledge, address real-world challenges, and contribute to the future of their communities and industries.
Watch the SPTC video with Edwards explaining her work and agricultural goals.
Photos from the awards banquet are courtesy of SPTC.
Read more about Edwards’ summer work.
Read about Edwards’ Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center internship.
