Copper Moon Coffee Awards Embry-Riddle Student $15,000 Scholarship in Partnership with Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
COPPER MOON COFFEE AWARDS EMBRY-RIDDLE STUDENT $15,000 SCHOLARSHIP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ASTRONAUT SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Minnesota Native Grace Gratton Receives Recognition from Indiana-Based Roastery for Advancing Heliophysics and Inspiring Future STEM Innovators
Copper Moon Coffee, headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) proudly announce Grace Gratton, a 20-year-old space physics major at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, as the 2025 recipient of the Copper Moon Coffee Astronaut Scholarship.
Originally from New London, Minnesota, Gratton is among a select group of students nationwide recognized for academic excellence, impactful research, and dedication to STEM outreach. Her passion lies in heliophysics—the study of the sun and its influence on Earth’s atmosphere and space technology.
With the support of the Copper Moon Scholarship through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, Gratton is advancing her academic research while also pursuing internships with the Air Force Research Lab and contributing to the Biologically Inspired Design for Resilience Lab.
“I live in Minnesota, and when I saw the northern lights, my interest was sparked in heliophysics. I realized that I could study this for the rest of my life, and since then, I’ve been exploring solar wind and its impact on our satellites and communication systems,” said Gratton. “This scholarship has lifted a huge financial burden. Now I can fully focus on school, research, and internships where I get to dig deeper into my field and push toward my long-term goal of earning a Ph.D. and becoming a professor.”
The scholarship, awarded in partnership with Copper Moon Coffee, is part of the Indiana-based roaster’s five-year collaboration with ASF to support the next generation of aerospace leaders. Since its inception, Copper Moon Coffee’s philanthropic focus has centered around supporting space programs, cultivating future aerospace innovators, and contributing to the long-term vitality of the broader aerospace industry. To date, Copper Moon Coffee has donated more than $75,000 to fund STEM scholarships.
“Grace embodies the kind of bold thinking and limitless curiosity that defines the future of space innovation,” said Brad Gutwein, CEO of Copper Moon Coffee. “We’re proud to support her journey as part of our commitment to empowering the next generation of aerospace pioneers.”
Gratton’s commitment goes beyond the lab. She volunteers in STEM education, inspired by her own mentors, professors Dr. Samantha Wallace and Dr. Bryan Watson, to help younger students find their path in science. Looking ahead, Gratton plans to pursue a Ph.D. in heliophysics or plasma physics with the goal of becoming a professor herself to mentor those in the field she loves.
2025 ASF Scholarship Winner Grace Gratton, Multi-Agent Systems Research
About Copper Moon Coffee
Copper Moon Coffee, LLC, is a family-owned roastery based in Lafayette, Indiana, committed to delivering high-grade, evenly roasted coffee while incorporating family values of trust and hospitality. Beyond its dedication to quality coffee, Copper Moon proudly supports initiatives that inspire future generations, including the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance. Copper Moon Coffee’s premium blends are available in Copper Moon’s web store, on Amazon, and at select retail locations nationwide. For more information, please visit coppermooncoffee.com.
About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF)
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is an Orlando-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. Founded in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts, ASF partners with industry leaders, universities, and individual donors to support and reward exceptional college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Over the past 40 years, more than $10 million has been awarded to over 900 college students. ASF is a four-star-rated organization by Charity Navigator.
