Four young investigators have been named National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) Postdoctoral Fellows.
"As the space program prepares for larger crews on the International Space Station and plans a return to the moon, America needs young scientists with a keen interest in solving the human health problems related to long stays in space," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Sutton, NSBRI director.
The two-year program offers Fellows the opportunity to manage their own space-related biomedical research project while continuing to learn from an experienced faculty mentor. Participants receive a $40,000 stipend and funds to cover health insurance and travel to NSBRI-related meetings. Fellows also attend a summer institute that provides an introduction to NASA Johnson Space Center’s research facilities and programs.
The 2008-2010 NSBRI Postdoctoral Fellows, their institutions and mentors are:
- Ronke M. Olabisi, Ph.D., Rice University
Mentor: Jennifer L. West, Ph.D. - Richard B. Souza, Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco
Mentor: Sharmila Majumdar, Ph.D. - Daniela Trani, Ph.D., Georgetown University
Mentor: Albert J. Fornace, Jr., M.D. - Bertrand P. Tseng, M.D., Ph.D., University of California, Irvine
Mentor: Charles L. Limoli, Ph.D.
The Fellows’ research projects address areas of interest to exploration missions and include investigating methods to maintain bone health and stimulate bone rebuilding and examining the acute effects of space radiation exposure and whether there are radioprotective changes in cells following proton exposure.
"These young investigators become part of an NSBRI research team, participating in the team’s teleconferences and meetings and attending annual investigator retreats," Sutton said. "Through these activities, they gain professional relationships with leading scientists across the country."
To be selected, applicants submit detailed research project proposals to investigate a solution to a space health risk or to develop a technology needed to enable research or medical care in space. The research must involve a mentor and be carried out at a U.S. laboratory doing space-related biomedical or biotechnological research.
Applications are reviewed for scientific and technical merit by the Fellowship Committee and by NSBRI management to ensure relevance to the Institute’s research program goals. NSBRI solicits fellowship applications annually.
Funded by NASA, NSBRI studies the health risks related to long-duration spaceflight with peer-reviewed science, technology and education projects at more than 70 institutions across the United States.
The Institute’s science and technology projects address bone and muscle loss, cardiovascular changes, balance and orientation, radiation exposure, neurobehavioral and psychosocial factors, remote medical care and related technologies, and habitability and performance issues such as sleep cycles and lunar dust exposure. Research findings also impact the understanding and treatment of similar medical conditions experienced on Earth.