Grace Ma was one of seven students across Canada to receive the STEAM Horizon award. This prestigious award is for high school students who have been recognized as leaders and innovators, have promoted positive change in their communities, and act as role models and ambassadors for future generations. The STEAM Horizon Awards invite Canada's youth to promote positive changes throughout their community using science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Grace was flown to Ottawa and recognized at the Foundation's first annual National Science and Innovation Gala on May 17, 2017.

Grace’s passion for creating meaningful change and action is the driving force behind her research success. In the summer of 2016, Grace conducted permafrost and vegetation research in the Greater Wapusk Ecosystem where she experienced the wonders of the Tundra. She has since represented ISAMR at conferences such as Wapusk National Park Research and Monitoring Symposium and ArcticNet’s Annual Scientific Meeting. At ArcticNet, she gave a research talk regarding monitoring of vegetation recovery in a burnt heath bogs in Wapusk. In addition, Grace produced a creative short film chronicling the summer research trip, which has been shared on various social media platforms to raise awareness of their research and the Arctic in general. The video is called: The Tundra. In addition, as an ambassador for STEAM, Grace hopes to maintain a relevant social media presence to share interesting discoveries, promote STEAM opportunities for youth, and most importantly, listen to youth. She believes bridging relationships with youth and the professional research field will strengthen the foundation for meaningful change and action.