Seven students are spending the summer at NASA Johnson Space Center, working alongside space life scientists and space medicine researchers as part of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s Summer Internship Program.
As the nation returns to flight and looks to longer space missions, these future scientists are getting a taste of health and medical research related to sending humans on exploration missions. The 10-to-15 week program provides the opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and medical students to join ongoing research activities at NASA Johnson Space Center or in NSBRI-sponsored laboratories. The 2005 NSBRI Summer Interns and their home institutions are:
- Andrew Abercromby, University of Houston
- Heather Adamus, University of South Alabama
- Bjorn Batdorf, University of Minnesota
- Arjun Chandrasekaran, Dartmouth College
- Adam Gagen, Durham University
- Jay Haran, University of Houston
- Eric Tuday, Johns Hopkins University
"The summer internship program provides a tremendous opportunity for all involved," said Dr. Jeffrey Sutton, NSBRI director. "The students gain exposure to space biomedical research for exploration, and we are able to inspire the next generation of scientists."
NSBRI interns work on research activities under the supervision of NASA scientists and physicians. The students are paired with mentors working on projects such as pharmacology, regulation of skeletal muscle mass/protein synthesis, cardiovascular regulation, balance and mobility after space flight, and the effects of virtual-reality training on postural control and eye-hand coordination.
The NSBRI, funded by NASA, studies the health risks related to long-duration space flight with peer-reviewed research and education projects at more than 70 institutions across the United States.
The research program addresses bone and muscle loss, cardiovascular changes, sleep disturbances, balance and orientation, radiation effects, immunology and infection, neurobehavioral and psychosocial factors, remote medical care and related technology, nutrition, physical fitness, and rehabilitation. Research findings will also impact the understanding and treatment of similar medical conditions experienced on Earth.