[4] After earning his master's degree from Purdue, Granata worked for three years as a research scientist in the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins University.

[7] Granata stayed at Ohio State for four years as a research scientist in the Biodynamics Laboratory after earning his doctorate degree there in 1993.

In 1997, Granata arrived at the University of Virginia as an assistant professor in two departments, Orthopedics and Biomedical Engineering, where he published two journals[8] and collaborated on a study with the Curry School of Education to determine why female athletes experience more knee injuries than their male counterparts.

In particular, he developed innovative methods to quantify low back stability that are considered cutting edge by other leaders in the field.

[14] The MARC Walker is named for the Medical Automation Research Center at the University of Virginia, where Granata had taught until January 10, 2003.

[17] In announcing the Dean's Award given to Granata, Virginia Tech stated he had "established a major research program, developing innovative methods to quantify low back stability that are considered cutting edge.

[13] Granata lived in Blacksburg with his wife, Linda Ankenman, whom he met at Purdue while they both participated in the Crew Club and married in May 1991.

He enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts and other activities with his three children, and he was an avid athlete, participating in triathlons and biathlons for years.

The Engineering Science and Mechanics Department Head, Dr. Ishwar Puri, remembered Granata and Librescu in a statement as "world-class" researchers.