Grace Kramer has always had a love for science, but she’s taken a step forward in a career she never thought she’d have.
In 2023, she graduated from Northern State University with a degree in biochemistry, and in that same year, she placed second in the South Dakota Governor’s Giant Vision Competition with her business idea, eqUTI. Before that, her idea also won Northern’s Idea Pitch Competition.
eqUTI is a product that was designed to prevent urinary tract infections in women.
Her idea began with her honors program thesis. Kramer said that women are more likely to develop a UTI compared to men, but there aren’t any forms of preventative care aside from taking antibiotics or supplements that aren’t always effective. She developed eqUTI, which is a patch that sticks onto the urethra that stops bacteria from entering during intercourse.
Kramer is passionate about women’s health issues, and she hopes to help end the stigma surrounding urinary tract infections as well as other womens’ health issues.
Kramer worked with the Aberdeen Development Corporation to pitch eqUTI to investors, and she has also been working with the South Dakota Biotech Association.
“I was born and raised in Aberdeen,” Kramer said. “I chose to stay because I love my community, and NSU has an excellent science center.” //
Grace Kramer wan first place in Northern’s Idea Pitch Competition.
Q: How does your work reflect your passion?
A: I have loved connecting with women and hearing their stories about how urinary tract infections have impacted their lives. I am using my passion for biochemistry and microbiology to create a solution to a common problem that not only helps these women but also contributes to the global effort in combating the crisis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Q: What is something you love about the Aberdeen community?
A: I love the friendly and hard-working people in our community. My idea is out there, but everyone has been excited for me to do something different, even if talking about it initially makes them uncomfortable!
Q: What initially got you interested in biochemistry?
A: I am a naturally curious person, and biochemistry is a field that gets into the nitty gritty of life. At NSU, the biochemistry major allows you to take a wide variety of classes and has a good balance of time spent in the lab, which is great for hands-on learning. The fast and flexible thinking required to pursue biochemistry has translated well into helping me adapt to becoming an entrepreneur.
Q: Where is one of your favorite places to go in Aberdeen?
A: I enjoy walking my dog at the beautiful Kuhnert Arboretum or Wylie Park. Lately, I’ve also been loving the fantastic food and great atmosphere at LaRue’s.
Q: What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
A: Inquisitive. I always ask why, or how something is how it is.
Q: What would you like more people to know about women’s health issues?
Jon Mitchell, Ph.S., Grace Kramer and Kennedy Davis at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International Conference.
A: I encourage people to explore the fascinating world of the microbiome and how bacteria impact our lives. Maintaining the balance of good bacteria is crucial for women’s health in many ways. Recent studies have revealed the direct impact of bacteria on reproductive issues and various types of cancer, as well as why some women are more susceptible to infection. Becoming informed about the role bacteria plays in our bodies is something everyone can benefit from.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I enjoy spending my free time gardening! It’s such a great way to relax and connect with nature. Taking care of my garden is my creative outlet, and the soil microbes are fantastic for your health, too.
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