The American Chemical Society (ACS) has recognized Dr. Grazyna Zreda, chemistry educator at Tanque Verde High School in Tucson, Arizona, with the E. Ann Nalley Rocky Mountain Region Volunteer Service Award. This award celebrates outstanding volunteer service that advances the goals of the ACS and supports the chemical sciences community at the regional level.
A Distinguished Career in Science and Education
Dr. Zreda, widely respected for her dedication to chemistry education, teaches Chemistry and Dual Enrollment Chemistry courses in the Tanque Verde Unified School District. Her students consistently demonstrate exceptional achievement in the sciences, both in high school and in their university studies.
She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geology and Paleontology from Warsaw University in Poland and a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, where her doctoral research characterized volcanic emissions from Mount Erebus in Antarctica.
Leadership and Mentorship in the Classroom and Beyond
Throughout her tenure at Tanque Verde High School, Dr. Zreda has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a department chair, mentoring new teachers and securing funding to upgrade laboratory facilities with modern technology. She regularly organizes professional development workshops focused on Systems Thinking, engineering practices in science, data collection technologies, and biotechnology—ensuring that her colleagues have access to current pedagogical methods and tools.
Her commitment to professional growth extends well beyond her own classroom. Dr. Zreda’s leadership and advocacy for high-quality science education have had a lasting impact on both students and teachers across southern Arizona.
Recognition of Excellence
Dr. Zreda’s achievements have been recognized at the state and national levels. In 2007, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for K–12 STEM educators. The Arizona State University Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence also recently recognized her as one of twelve teachers in Arizona whose students consistently excel in university-level science courses. Additionally, she has been named an Arizona Science Association Teacher of the Year.
Service to the Chemistry Community
As the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Arizona Section of the American Chemical Society, Dr. Zreda has provided invaluable support to chemistry educators and students alike. She leads regional outreach efforts, coordinates workshops, and promotes creative engagement through initiatives such as the ACS biannual chemistry poetry contests. Notably, she played a key role in organizing the Chemistry Teacher Workshop at the 2021 Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting.
At Tanque Verde High School, Dr. Zreda also sponsors ChemClub, guiding students as they develop leadership skills and connect with the community through chemistry-based outreach events.
About the Award
The E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service was established by the ACS to recognize outstanding volunteer service to the Society and the broader chemical sciences community. Named in honor of Dr. E. Ann Nalley, former ACS President and long-time champion of science education, the award highlights individuals whose sustained commitment has made a meaningful impact at the regional level.
A Lasting Impact
Through her exemplary teaching, mentorship, and service, Dr. Grazyna Zreda continues to elevate chemistry education in Arizona and inspire the next generation of scientists. Her recognition by the ACS underscores both her professional excellence and her enduring commitment to the advancement of chemical education.