Bioastronautics Research Group

University of Colorado      Aerospace Engineering Sciences

This specialty area of Aerospace Engineering encompasses biological, behavioral and medical aspects governing humans and other living organisms in a space flight environment; and includes design of payloads, spacecraft habitats and life support systems. In short, it spans the study and support of life in space.

 

Current StudentsThesis, Research & Project Summaries

 

 

Andrea Hanson, PhD Student

 

Tissue Engineering to Assess Bone and Muscle Atrophy and Radiation Exposure During Space Flight

Andrea received a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of North Dakota in 2002.  Her interests lie in the area of assessing bone and muscle atrophy during long duration space flight and looking at the effects of radiation exposure during space flight.  She has worked with BioServe Space Technologies for the past year looking at protein inhibitors that may help atrophying muscles and has worked on an osteoprotegrin bone study.  She is also working with cell cultures to study the effects of radiation on mammalian cells.  Andrea is currently exploring a PhD thesis subject in these areas.

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. Virginia Ferguson (CU Mech Eng)

Research Funding: BioServe Space Technologies

 

 

 

last updated 1/23/06

 

Ryan Kobrick, PhD Student

Spacesuit Lunar Dust Mitigation

 

Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario (2002), his Master’s of Space Studies degree from the International Space University in Strasbourg, France (2003), and his Master’s of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University (2005). He has worked with the X PRIZE Foundation developing the follow-on event to the $10 million ANSARI X PRIZE called the X PRIZE Cup, which will bring competing spaceship builders to New Mexico annually to compete in different flight categories. Ryan participated as a crewmember in the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station as the Health & Safety Officer on Crew 25 (2004), as Executive Officer of Crew 44 / ExBeta (2006), and will return as Commander of Crew 56 / ExGamma (2007). His CU-Boulder start was in the summer of 2005 researching portable life support systems (spacesuits) with Dr. Klaus on a NASA-funded project. Ryan’s current Ph.D. focus is on advanced spacesuit technologies that will aid with dust mitigation on the lunar surface, Mars, and beyond.  Ryan remains active in space outreach as the External Liaison Officer for the CU-Boulder chapter of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (CUSEDS), and serves as an advisor for both SEDS Canada and Mars Society Canada’s Exploration Mars (ExMars) Program.

 

Homepage: https://webfiles.colorado.edu/kobrick/www/

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA CRAVE DO1 (2005); BioServe Space Technologies; AIAA Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award (2006); ARCS Scholar (2006), CU EEF Grant (2007), NASA GSRP Fellowship (2007-present)

last updated 8/2/07

 

Evan Thomas, PhD Student

 

Spacecraft Waste Water Treatment

 

Evan completed his BS/MS Aerospace Engineering at CU-Boulder in May 2006. As a cooperative education employee at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Evan worked in the Life Support and Habitability Systems Branch in the Crew and Thermal Systems Division. His MS research at CU and at NASA was in Microgravity Fire Detection, analyzing the feasibility of a Modulated Laser Analyzer for Combustion Products (MLA-CP) for the crewed spacecraft environment. Evan was also Editor-in-Chief of the Colorado Engineer Magazine, and is involved with Engineers Without Borders (EWB), leading sustainable development projects in Rwanda and Nepal.  Evan founded the EWB-JSC chapter with other NASA engineers in 2004. Evan has received multiple awards from NASA and EWB for engineering development. He is currently working toward his PhD at CU-Boulder while employed by NASA.

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA JSC, CU EEF Grant 2006

last updated 9/6/06

 

Jonathan Metts, PhD Student

 

Spacesuit Thermal Control

 

Jonathan received his B.S. Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University in 2004, then began graduate work, also at Auburn, completing an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering in 2006.  During this time, he managed a team of undergraduate students in a research project funded by Transformational Space Corporation (t/Space), in which students designed, prototyped, and tested a flexible, lightweight spacecraft seat.  The project was mentioned in a Popular Science article about t/Space.  He also studied the Russian language at Auburn University and received a scholarship to study the language and culture in St. Petersburg, Russia in the summer of 2003.  Jonathan's graduate research background is in optimization of missile systems via genetic algorithms, but he is transitioning to space suit research at CU in pursuit of his primary interest, human space flight.  His thesis topic addresses the application of variable-emissivity materials for active modulation of a passive thermal control system.

 

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2007-present

last updated 8/2/07

 

Kevin Higdon, PhD Student

 

Human Spacecraft Systems Engineering

 

Kevin received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University (1996) and his Master’s of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (2005).  His graduate-level research involved the development of a numerical analysis program for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center which predicted the thrust and side loads of differentially throttled liquid plug nozzle engines in a very quick timeframe when compared to conventional CFD programs.  While pursuing his Master’s degree, he also supported the US Army’s Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program as a Propulsion Systems Engineer.  He developed and continues to support the Boost Motor Analysis Program (BMAP) which is used by the US Army for reduction of solid rocket motor flight test data from White Sands Missile Range.  Although his graduate research and work experience has been in the field of missile and space propulsion, his primary focus at CU is in human spacecraft design.  Kevin is currently exploring a PhD thesis topic combining various applications of systems engineering aimed at effective human integration into the space habitat design process.

 

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2006/07, William F. Marlar Memorial Trust

last updated 1/31/08

 

 

 

Bradley Greybeck, PhD Student

 

Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

 

Brad completed his undergraduate studies in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He then went on to work as a Boeing contractor for NASA in Houston, Texas where he worked as an analyst on the Orbiter’s Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Active Thermal Control Systems. While working he pursued an interest in muscle physiology by completing a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Rice University. His research there focused on the diaphragm muscle mechanics. In completing his degree the decision was made to pursue further research in how muscles are affected by the weightlessness environment during spaceflight. His current investigation is focused on the molecular mechanisms behind muscle atrophy. Current studies include collaboration with Dr. Dave Allen in the Integrative Physiology department examining expression of key genes involved in regulating a potent muscle growth inhibitor known as myostatin. Future research will entail examining skeletal muscle on the cell level to facilitate linking of mechanical stimuli and gene expression.

 

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. Virginia Ferguson (Mech Eng)

Research Funding: BioServe Space Technologies

last updated 4/14/08

 

Kennda Lynch, MS/PhD Student

 

 

 

Completing MS thesis and planning to continue toward a PhD with her research topic in the field of Astrobiology

 

MS Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

 

 

 

last updated 5/30/07

 

 

 

Prior Bioastronautics Students (since 2002)

 

Lunar Habitat Design

This pilot MS Project course first offered in the Spring of 2007 was aimed at the following design goals and objectives: 1) analyze anticipated crew tasks (internal and extravehicular activities) to define operational requirements for the lunar surface sortie missions, 2) construct a rapidly-reconfigurable, full-scale prototype of the Lunar Habitat to assess vehicle configuration trade spaces, 3) conduct a computational mass analysis (CAD model of structure and subsystems) coupled to the mockup dimensions aimed at minimizing ascent stage mass, and 4) host local K-12 and public outreach events showcasing the ‘life size’ spacecraft mockup, complete with spacesuit demonstrations.  Ten students participated in the project, which is ongoing.

Project Webpage: http://www.colorado.edu/LunarMARS/ 

Project Advisor:  Dr. David Klaus

Project Funding:  CU Engineering Excellence Fund and the William F. Marlar Memorial Trust

last updated 11/2/07

 

Farres Ahmed

 

Assessing the Role of Gravity on Biological-Physical Interface Phenomena Governing Bacterial Growth

Farres’ research as an undergraduate at the University of Colorado at Boulder in MCD Biology focused on the temperature dependent growth and sedimentation characteristics of E. coli. In the future, he hopes to use this research to help better define E. coli growth patterns in simulated microgravity.

Research Advisor:  Dr. David Klaus

Project Funding: SURE, 2004; BURST, 2005/06, UROP Summer 2006

BS MCD Biology May 2007

last updated 5/16/07

 

Dan Baca

 

Lunar Surface Access Module: Analysis and Test Bed

 

Dan completed his BA in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Montana, Missoula in May 2003.  He simultaneously completed another BA in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science.  He continued working in his management position for CRS Hardware Corporation until he enrolled in the Aerospace Engineering Master's program at the University of Colorado in 2005.  As a Research Assistant in the NASA Academy, Dan worked in the optics branch of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center on modeling the far field phase patterns of the future Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.  He is currently serving as Vice President for the CU chapter of Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (CUSEDS).  Dan is also with working Dr. Klaus on a new project involving the construction and analysis of a Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM) prototype.  This will help better define the requirements of the future spacecraft and create a laboratory component for the graduate Bioastronautics courses offered at CU.

 

MS Aero May 2007

Career:  Lockheed Martin

last updated 5/30/07

 

Anna Stanczyk

 

Evaluating the Effects of Antibiotics on Bacterial Motility

 

Anna is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan campus in Flint who spent the summer of 2006 at CU Boulder as a research intern.  She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with a concentration in Biochemistry through the Honors Scholar Program at U of M Flint.  Her research is focusing on validating a protocol for assessing E. coli motility, as well as testing motility in the presence of antibiotics to attempt to resolve data that conflicts with the hypothesized model of how microorganisms respond to a microgravity environment.  In the future, Anna will use this research as the basis of her Senior Honors Thesis, and she is continuing the motility studies at her home campus.

Research and Honors Thesis Advisor:  Dr. David Klaus

Project Funding: University of Michigan-Flint Honors Scholar Program

 

 

last updated 9/6/06

 

Vanessa Aponte, PhD

 

MEMS Biosensor Technology for Monitoring Astronaut Immune Response

Vanessa obtained her BS and MS Degrees in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (12/96 & 6/00). As an undergraduate she participated in a variety of research projects ranging from analysis of chemical engineering processes using computer modeling at Carnegie Mellon University to studying electrophoretic aggregation of latex particles as an intern at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  She first had the opportunity to work with the space program through her graduate studies, as her research was sponsored by NASA Kennedy Space Center in the area of Advanced Life Support. She has obtained multiple research awards, published her work and is affiliated with several professional organizations including AIAA, AIChE, Tau Beta Pi and NSS.  Her academic and research achievements allowed her to obtain a GEM fellowship sponsored by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center to begin pursuing doctoral studies in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU. Her research interests lie in the area of MEMS biosensors with a focus in Bioastronautics applications, more specifically, detection of immune system response in astronauts.

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2004 -2006 (HQ); NASA Co-op, 2003, Biological Systems Office, NASA Johnson Space Center; GEM Fellowship, 2001

Additional info: CU Press Release; 9News Interview; Hispania News

 

PhD August 2006

Thesis Title: Development and Analysis of a Novel Cytokine Biosensor Concept for Astronaut Immune System Monitoring

Career: Lockheed Martin

 

last updated 6/21/06

 

Steve Chappell, PhD

 

Planetary EVA Design and Operations

Steve achieved a BS in Aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan.  He worked for several years for FAAC, Inc. and moved on to Lockheed Martin as a systems engineer and architect of ground systems for classified programs.  He then returned to graduate school, obtaining a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado, concentrating on coursework in Bioastronautics.  Presently, Steve works part-time at the Laboratory for Atmospheric & Space Physics as the Deputy Mission Systems Engineer on the AIM Program.  As a PhD student, Steve is conducting research that will support NASA's new human exploration focus.  His thesis emphasis is on the physiological impacts and workload of human exploration in partial gravity environments, working with the locomotion laboratory of the Department of Integrative Physiology.  Specifically, his research is focused on measuring the energy expenditure associated with inertial mass in simulated partial gravity locomotion.  The specific goal of this research is to better quantify life support resource needs for EVA operations and to improve guidelines for EVA system design that will help to optimize astronaut performance.  Associated interests include development of novel operations concepts and equipment for planetary EVA in challenging terrain, with the overall goal of providing future human explorers a means to access scientifically significant terrain on the Moon and Mars, such as steep sedimentary slopes, while mitigating risk and dealing with contingencies.  In addition to his professional and academic pursuits, Steve has been an active member of Rocky Mountain Rescue for the last 10 years.

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: AIAA Foundation Graduate Award, 2005

 

PhD August 2006

Thesis Title:  Analysis of Planetary Exploration Spacesuit Systems and Evaluation of a Modified Partial-Gravity Simulation Technique

Career: Wyle, NASA JSC - EVA Physiology, Systems, & Performance Project (EPSP), Human Adaptation & Countermeasures

last updated 4/14/08

 

James Clawson, PhD

 

Durability and design approaches in the use of flexible transparent polymer films for a Mars greenhouse application

Jim received his Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.  He worked as a systems engineer for the Department of Defense at GE Aircraft Engines monitoring the production of engines for the B-1, F-14, and F-16 and the development of engine components for the F/A-18E/F.  He transferred to Lockheed Martin Astronautics to monitor the development of the RD-180 rocket engine for the Atlas V launch vehicle family. Concurrently, he began working on a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado.  After completing his Master’s, he resigned from the DoD and continued towards a PhD with BioServe, where his work has included investigating the use of laser tweezers to study plant gravitropism, studying the antifungal response of mung bean sprouts aboard the Mir space station, and the design, construction, and operation of BioServe’s Plant Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (PGBA) payload. His doctoral research is addressing some of the engineering challenges associated with the design of transparent inflatable structures for a Mars greenhouse application. He mentored the winning design team for the 2002 NASA Marsport Mars Deployable Greenhouse design competition. He also founded the Bioastronautical Systems Development Company, which was awarded an SBIR grant.

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. Alex Hoehn

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2000-2003 (KSC); BioServe Space Technologies

 

Final Defense May 2006 / PhD Aero 2007

Thesis Title: Feasibility of a Mars Surface Inflatable Greenhouse: Availability of Photosynthetic Irradiance and the Durability of Transparent Polymer Films  

Career: Stellar Solutions, Inc.

last updated 7/10/06

 

Heather Howard

Antibiotic Effectiveness in Altered Gravitational Environments

 

Heather earned her BA in Biochemistry and Managerial Studies from Rice University in 1999.  After graduation, she was employed as a software developer for a few years before returning to graduate school at the University of Colorado.  She completed her MS in Aerospace Engineering and began working toward doctoral studies investigating how microgravity alters antibiotic effectiveness against bacteria before deciding to move on to a professional career.

Advisor:  Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2004-2006 (JSC)

 

MS Aero December 2004

Career:  The Aerospace Corporation

 

last updated 6/2/06

 

James Russell, PhD

 

Advanced Life Support System Optimization

Jim’s research interests are in Human Space Mission Metrics for the selection of Advanced Life Support Technologies as an alternative to the current metric Equivalent System Mass. He participated in the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station as a crewmember (MDRS Crew 27) from March 27 to April 11, 2004 (more info). In addition to his PhD research, he worked as a Research Assistant for BioServe Space Technologies on space flight payloads and on the development of a long term air treatment system for mouse space habitat. He has also supported an undergraduate research project involving biosensor applications of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Jim is currently a Post Doctoral Research Associate at Purdue University at the ALS NSCORT.

Homepage: http://ucsu.colorado.edu/~russeljf/

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding:  AIAA Foundation Graduate Award, 2002 and 2005; Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society ‘Grant-in-Aid of Research’ Award, 2003

 

PhD Aero December 2005

Thesis Title:  Expanded Life-Cycle Analysis to Optimize Spacecraft Life Support System Design

Career:  Postdoc at Purdue University 2005/06, now at Lockheed Martin

last updated 10/9/06

 

Matt Bamsey

 

Foundations of Mars Colonization

Matt Bamsey graduated with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.  He has spent a number of work terms at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), including a sixteen-month internship, three summers with the CSA Space Science department on Devon Island with the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse project, as well as working for the RADARSAT-2 program. Matt has been active in various space advocacy groups for many years and was president of Mars Society, Canada between 2003 and 2005. He is also the current student advisor to the Mars Institute Board of Advisors. Other interests of Matt's include space history with a focus on Soviet/Russian aspects and space-related political lobbying.  His research interests are focused on Mars colonization and the integration of the numerous disparate disciplines that are required to establish a sustainable colony.

MS Advisor:  Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding:  NASA CRAVE DO6

MS Aero December 2005
Career: Canadian Space Agency and PhD Student at the University of Guelph

last updated 1/26/06

 

 

Mike Benoit, PhD

 

Characterization of Gravity-Dependent Extracellular Mass Transport Phenomena

Mike received his Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire and his Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado.  From 1999 through 2002, he worked at BioServe Space Technologies, a NASA Research Partnership Center, as a test engineer and also as the lead microbiologist for an experiment that flew onboard the International Space Station during increment 8A.  His PhD work was funded by a Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP) fellowship from NASA Glenn Research Center, where he collaborated with Dr. Emily Nelson in the Computational Microgravity Laboratory to develop numerical model techniques for characterizing the effects of weightlessness on extracellular mass transport phenomena.

Homepage: http://www.stanford.edu/~benoitm/

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2002 - 2005 (GRC NGT3-52386); CU Aerospace Department John A. Vise Award, 2003; AIAA Foundation Graduate Award, 2003

 

PhD Aero August 2005

Dissertation Title: Responses, Applications, and Analysis of Microgravity Effects on Bacteria

Career:  Postdoc at Stanford University

last updated 1/23/06

 

Hans Seelig, PhD

Non-Contact Techniques for Detection of Water Stress in Plants for Space Flight Growth Chamber Application

Hans received his Bachelor’s degree in Automation Technologies at the Hochschule TuW (FH) in Dresden/Germany (06/97), concentrating on biomedical engineering. He worked for several years for the University Hospital in Dresden and for the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Systems in Dresden, participating in various research projects involving non-contact measurement methods. In 1999 Hans came to the University of Colorado for graduate studies, obtaining his Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering Sciences in May 2001. From 1999 to 2005 Hans worked for BioServe Space Technologies as Research Assistant. He participated in the upgrade of BioServe’s space plant growth chamber (PGBA) for long term missions in controller optimization and launch preparations for an experiment that flew on the International Space Station in 2002 for about 8 weeks. Hans’ research. involved utilizing plants for advanced life support, in particular using remote sensing techniques for monitoring plant health. His dissertation focused on the development of non-contact techniques for detecting water deficit stress in plants.

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. Alex Hoehn

Research Funding: BioServe Space Technologies

 

PhD Aero August 2005

Dissertation Title: The Assessment of Water Deficit Stress in Plants using Optical Measurement Methods

Career:  Postdoc at NIST

last updated Dec 2005

 

James Manley

 

Assessing the Effect of Simulated Weightlessness on a Neutrally Buoyant Strain of E. coli

James received his Bachelor’s in EPO Biology and is now pursuing a career in Aerospace Medicine. His research focused on non-invasively monitoring lag phase of E. coli in simulated weightless conditions through the use of a clinostat. He also developed an optical density monitoring apparatus for use during clinorotation to aid in data collection for his research.

Research Advisor:  Dr. David Klaus (with Mike Benoit)

Project Funding: URAP, 2003/04; UROP, 2004/05

 

BS EPO Biology May 2005
Career: Medical School, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD

 

last updated May 2005

 

 

Galina Dvorkina

 

Characterizing the Influence of Gravity on Bacterial Sedimentation and Motility

Galina is double majoring in Aerospace Engineering and EPO Biology.  Her research objectives for this project are focused on measuring bacterial sedimentation rates in order to empirically determine cell density as a function of velocity, cell size and known fluid properties.   Galina successfully designed and assembled a vertical video microscopy system and validated its general performance.

Research Advisor:  Dr. David Klaus (with Heather Howard)

Project Funding: UROP, 2004/05

 

 

last updated May 2005

 

Ken Stroud, PhD

 

Mitigation of Vestibular Disturbances in Piloted Spacecraft

Ken received his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1997.  Upon graduation, he began working for Wyle Laboratories at the NASA Johnson Space Center in the Systems Development group, and later as a Biomedical Flight Controller (BME) working in the Mission Control Center.  In August of 2000, Ken returned to the University of Colorado at Boulder, and in December of 2001 received his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, with an emphasis on Bioastronautics.  During 2002 and 2003, he worked in the Mission Operations group at BioServe Space Technologies, providing console support on the ISS 9A and 11A increments, and the STS-107 mission.  Ken’s Ph.D. thesis entails the effects of weightlessness on the vestibular system.  Specifically, his dissertation involved the development of countermeasures against vestibular disturbances during space flight using virtual reality and defining spacecraft design requirements. He completed a study on the prediction and prevention of motion sickness and disorientation in a microgravity-like virtual environment using 40 human test subjects at the NASA Johnson Space Center, and investigated the effect of spacecraft and cockpit design factors on the ability to safely land a piloted reentry vehicle.

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2002-2005 (JSC NAG9-1438); AIAA Willy Z. Sadeh Award, 2002

 

PhD Aero December 2004

Dissertation Title:  Mitigating Vestibular Disturbances During Spaceflight Using Virtual Reality Training and Reentry Vehicle Design Guidelines

Career:  NASA Johnson Space Center

last updated June 2005

 

Tom Hatfield, PhD

 

Quantitative Ultrasound Technology Development for Space Flight Biomedical Applications

Tom obtained his BS in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1992 and his Masters degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Houston in 1998.  From 1992 to 1996 he also worked in various engineering roles for IBM, Loral, and Lockheed Martin supporting the shuttle and station programs, as well as the Mission Control Center in Houston. His MS research involved computer modeling for the Advanced Life Support program at the Johnson Space Center. These experiences led Tom to move to Colorado to pursue graduate studies at CU in 1999.  In the summer of 2002, he began to work full-time on his PhD thesis under a NASA GSRP fellowship. As doctoral candidate, Tom's research focused on using ultrasound to determine cross-sectional area of limb muscle and bone, and included demonstrating the potential of ultrasound for measurements during spaceflight. 

PhD Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2002-2004 (JSC NAG9-1468); AIAA Foundation Graduate Award, 2003

 

PhD Aero December 2004

Dissertation Title:  Development of Novel Ultrasonic Physiological Measurement Methodologies Appropriate for Space Flight   

Career:  Wyle Life Sciences, NASA Johnson Space Center

last updated Jan 2005

 

Juniper Jairala

Effects of Space Flight on Sleep

Juniper graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. She then worked for Universal Studios and Warner Brothers building theme parks in Japan and Spain. Her passion for space exploration returned her the U.S., where she worked at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center as a Flight Operations Engineer. Finally, realizing that her true quest was to help improve spaceflight for humans, and that she needed a graduate degree to do this, Juniper came to the CU Boulder Aerospace Engineering Sciences Bioastronautics Research Group.  Her primary research interests are astronaut physiology and space medicine/countermeasures. She worked in the Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory in CU's Integrative Physiology department, putting electrodes on people's heads and watching their brainwaves while they sleep. She hopes to figure out, through the use of microgravity analogs, ways to improve how astronauts sleep in space.

Research Funding: GEM Fellowship; National Institute of Health (NIH) Initiative for Minority Student Development (IMSD), 2003; NIH Fellowship, 2005

 

MS Aero December 2004

Career:  co-op at NASA JSC spring 05; internship at Blue Origin summer 05; beginning PhD program at UCLA Fall 05, X-Prize Foundation, SpaceX, Andrews Space

last updated 4/14/08

 

Jackson Lee

 

Hydrogen Recovery from Spacecraft Biomass Waste

Jackson received a BSME in mechanical engineering from Rice University in 2002.  His interests are in the area of Advanced Life Support (ALS) for manned spacecraft, in particular, the applications of environmental microbiology and biotechnology in ALS. He has worked previously with BioServe Space Technologies and Lockheed-Martin in manned spaceflight and ALS activities.  His thesis involved an experiment examining the use of photoheterotrophic bacteria in a photofermentation hydrogen production scheme for a mars/ lunar base for his MS thesis.  This project was jointly supported by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado.

MS Thesis Advisor: Dr. David Klaus

Research Funding: NASA GSRP Fellowship, 2003-2004 (JSC NAG9-1555); Beverly Sears Graduate Student Grant, 2004; NSF EAPSI Fellowship to Japan, 2004

 

MS Aero August 2004

Thesis Title: Characterization of the Effect of Butyrate on Hydrogen Production in Biophotolysis for use in Martian Resource Recovery

Career:  Served as a member of the Peace Corps in the Philippines, currently PhD student at CSM

last updated August 2007

 

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