Starlab-GWCSP students present at ASGSR in Puerto Rico

Presenting research internationally as a student offers invaluable opportunities for academic growth and global networking. It not only enhances visibility within the global research community but also exposes students to diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration and innovation across borders.

Cassidy Brozovich, Ian Harris, and Lindsey Shimoda did just that as a part of the Starlab - George Washington Carver Science Park (GWCSP) initiative at The Ohio State University earlier this month at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The organization, established in 1984, focuses on studying how living organisms and physical systems respond to changes in gravity. It provides a platform for research, education, and professional development in the fields of gravitational biology and physical science. Each graduate student's research dealt with different aspects of this field, from agriculture to airflow.

Cassidy Brozovich, a graduate student in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) as well as the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), is researching on improving life support systems for long-term space missions, particularly those beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These systems are designed to produce food for astronauts, including crops like plants and fungi. One major challenge is ensuring a reliable water supply for these crops.

Her study aims to build on NASA’s previous research by examining how water behaves in crop systems, particularly in low-gravity environments. The research will explore the possibility of using lunar soil, known as regolith, for growing crops. By testing how water moves through materials similar to lunar soil, Cassidy hopes to provide valuable insights that can help design better crop production systems for future lunar missions.

"I love any opportunity to share my research, and getting to travel to conferences to show people around the world some of the work I am doing has been a huge blessing," said Brozovich. "By getting to network at the international level, I have been able to foster collaborations with people who I never would've known otherwise."

An MAE undergraduate student, Ian Harris’s research addresses the challenge of managing microbial life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where the microgravity environment prevents airborne bacteria and fungi from settling. This creates a continuous presence of microbes in the cabin air, raising concerns about astronaut health and safety. 

To tackle this, Harris explores a new technology called Cabin Atmosphere Filtration using Ambient Air Ionization (CAFAAI), which uses ionized air to neutralize harmful microorganisms. The system works by generating electric fields that ionize and neutralize bacteria and fungi. Harris tested the effectiveness of CAFAAI by exposing two microbes—Aureobasidium pullulans, a fungus, and Bacillus atrophaeus, a bacterium—to the ionized air. Results showed that longer exposure times led to greater microbial neutralization. This method offers a promising solution for maintaining a safe, low-maintenance environment for astronauts on long-duration missions, such as those planned for the Artemis program and future missions to Mars.

"The rewarding thing about research is when you can make its importance relatable to others through shared experiences," said Harris. "We all see life through different lenses and by networking with international researchers, it has allowed me to gain new perspectives on how my research is perceived and how others may find it useful – perhaps in ways I had not originally thought of!"

Finally, FABE graduate student Lindsey Shimoda's research addresses the challenges posed by biofilms in controlled environments, such as space missions. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that form on surfaces, resisting cleaning efforts and causing damage to equipment. They also pose safety risks by harboring pathogens and promoting antibiotic resistance. 

To detect biofilms early and enable timely cleaning, Shimoda developed an optical detection system. This system uses changes in light intensity across different wavebands to detect biofilms, offering a non-destructive, real-time method ideal for microgravity environments with limited resources. The study involved growing biofilms from Bacillus velezensis in multi-well plates, using a spectroradiometer to collect reflectance and transmittance data. Results identified promising spectral features that could be used to detect biofilms. The system also allows machine learning algorithms to adapt and select relevant wavebands for different biofilm species, improving detection efficiency.

"I am grateful for the privilege to reach a broader audience," said Shimoda. "Any chance I can share the work I’ve done is a welcome opportunity that enables a two-way conversation where I can improve my project with different suggestions as well as gives others’ ideas on how they can apply what I’ve learned to their own work."

The students will continue their research in Starlab - George Washington Carver Science Park's temporary Payload and Research Facility in FABE's Agricultural Engineering building.