Last update of this page: June 20, 2024, 2:41 pm ET
Information still to be determined (if any) is in RED TEXT below.
All teams needed to submit a description of their presentation via email to John Hamel by 5:00 pm ET, Monday, June 10, 2024, using the Oral Presentation Template that is downloadable below. Submission earlier than the deadline would be greatly appreciated. Note that your presentation Abstract has a strict 80 word limit.
2024 Oral Presentation Template.
This page will provide descriptions of all 16 presentations by student teams at the 2024 SSEP National Conference.
Oral Presentations for the 2024 SSEP National Conference
Mission 16
Oral 1:Hillsborough County, Florida
School and/or District: Walker Middle School, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Grade level of Team: 8
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Bio-electrolysis of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 16 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Brad Beenhakker, Henry Bravo, Rehan Dost, Samuel Fernandez, Rohan Halarnkar, Luke Oldenburg
Teacher Facilitator: Jodie Dukes
Abstract: The investigation aims to determine whether microgravity affects the microbial electrolysis of Anabaena Sp. PCC 7120. The Type 2 FME Mini-lab contains cyanobacteria with carbon paper which serves as a catalyst. The applications for this investigation include supplying the upper stages of interstellar spacecraft with rocket fuel at an accelerated rate compared to Earth or an alternative way of providing oxygen to astronauts on the ISS.
Mission 17
Oral 2: Glendora, California
School and/or District: Glendora High School, Glendora Unified School District
Grade level of Team: 11-12
Title: Production of Mushroom Leather in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 17 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Tyler Lai, Benjamin Tallman
Investigator: Dylan Anderson
Collaborator: Justin Tong
Teacher Facilitator: Jimmy Liao
Abstract: The experiment tested the viability of producing mushroom leather in space through the biomass processing method. Ganoderma Lucidum mushrooms were prepared in a liquid culture and placed into a mini-lab. The clamp was removed on A=0 and shaking of the mini-lab occurred for 120 seconds on A=0, A+2, U-14, U-5 and U-2. Analysis was done under 400x magnification using a light microscope. The experiment concluded mushroom leather could be produced in space through the biomass processing method.
Oral 3: Ocala, Florida
School and/or District: Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School and North Marion High School, Marion County Public Schools
Grade level of Team: 7
Title: Does Microgravity Affect Protein Production of Escherichia coli?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 17 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Collins Sheldon
Teacher Facilitator: Lisa Dorsey
Abstract: The experiment tested growth of Escherichia coli in microgravity compared to the Earth ground truth. Bacto beads were activated with the addition of nutrient broth at U-5 and allowed to grow until U-2 when Lyophilized Lysozyme and Tris EDTA solution were added to stop growth of E. coli and protein production. Upon return to Earth, a nanometer was used to test protein levels in the
microgravity and ground truth samples. Results showed more protein was produced in the ground truth sample.
Oral 4: Burleson, Texas
School and/or District: Nick Kerr Middle School, Burleson Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: Can a Cotton Ball Instead of Soil Germinate a Lavender Seed in Microgravity?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 17 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Abigail Bain, Jack Crow, Lyla Meek, Addison White
Teacher Facilitator: Terry Briggs
Abstract: This investigation will explore how lavender seeds germinate in microgravity without using soil. An alternative growing method is needed to reduce the total mass of the growing process because more mass equals more financial resources used during space exploration. The investigation is beneficial because quality plant growth during space exploration will provide a viable natural health source in the future. Additionally, in the world of privatized space travel, cost will be sufficiently higher based on fuel expenses.
Mission 18
Oral 5: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
School and/or District: Avalon Junior High School, Edmonton Public Schools
Grade level of Team: 9
Title: Bacillus Cereus: Exploring the Pathogens of Household Foods in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Semifinalist Proposal, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Samantha Luchkow, Carys Sparrow
Co-Investigators: Ivy Meier, Maya Ahmed, Willa Holmes
Teacher Facilitator: Homa Geisel
Abstract: This experiment, had it been selected, would have determined whether or not a microgravity environment would affect the growth of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), a foodborne pathogen naturally found on rice that produces toxins leading to gastro-intestinal illnesses. By studying the growth of this bacterium on Basmati rice, an ideal contaminant, we would analyze how common bacteria react to a microgravity environment, which would be important for health and food security on long-term spaceflight missions.
Oral 6: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
School and/or District: Queen’s University
Grade level of Team: 15-16
Title: The Impact of Lectins on Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Grant Hurley, Maisha Maliha, Gurleen Multani, Cole Munro, Tessa Murchison, Ryan Stewart
Teacher Facilitators: Dylan Zhao, Dr. Diane Tomalty, Dr. Olivia Giovannetti
Abstract: Astronauts experience compromised immune systems, which puts them at risk of developing opportunistic bacterial infections due to increased antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in microgravity. This project would be the first to investigate whether lectins, a type of protein that binds to bacterial cell surface receptors, can prevent the formation of E. coli biofilms in space. The results could lead to a practical opportunity to combine lectins with antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness for astronauts and immunocompromised patients on Earth.
Oral 7: Athens, Ohio
School and/or District: Ohio University
Grade level of Team: 14-16
Title: Effect of Spaceflight-Adapted Bacteria on Plant Growth and Resilience in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Michael Lane, Nathan Smith, Victoria Swiler
Teacher Facilitator: Nicholas Whitticar
Abstract: Plant-microbe interactions are key to future long term space explorations requiring regenerative
food sources. The bacterial strain Sphingomonas sanguinis B3A was discovered on the International Space Station and has displayed plant growth promoting properties. The bacterium is hypothesized to benefit Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings by reducing microgravity induced stress. Increased plant growth and downregulation of Arabidopsis stress genes are expected in the experimental group on ISS. qPCR will be used to quantify gene expression between the treatment groups.
Oral 8: Kent, Ohio
School and/or District: Kent State University
Grade level of Team: 13 and 16
Title: Pea Power: Microgravity and its Effects on Pisum Sativum Roots
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Jonathan King, Mackenzie Guy
Teacher Facilitator: Syed Arbab Mohd Shihab
Abstract: A key challenge of potential long term space missions is creating sustainable food source systems. A promising area of research for this issue has been microgreen growth in space. Microgreens are ideal candidates to supplement diet in space due to their fecundity and range of nutrients. The investigation focuses on the root growth of Pisum Sativum, otherwise known as Green Peas, in microgravity environments through the use of hydroponic systems, which led to the defining question: Can a solid medium be supplemented into a hydroponic environment to improve Pisum Sativum root growth?
Oral 9: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – CCAC
School and/or District: Community College of Allegheny County
Grade level of Team: 13
Title: Effect of Microgravity on the Enzymatic Degradation of Polyurethane by Penicillium chrysogenum
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Maya Burns, Faith Dunn
Collaborator: Connor McDonagh
Teacher Facilitators: Patricia Donehue, Anne Duffy
Abstract: 360 million tons of Polyurethane plastics are produced each year, 80% of which become waste. To address the increase in plastic waste, one of several organisms found capable of degrading polyurethanes could be used to break the material down into recyclable chemical compounds. This experiment will test how microgravity affects the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum’s biodegradative enzymes’ ability to degrade polyester-polyurethane. This information can facilitate the transition to circular production/waste economies, both on Earth and in space exploration endeavors.
Oral 10: Burleson, Texas
School and/or District: Steam Middle School, Burleson Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: Raspberry Seed Growth with Paper Towels in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Cade Sando, Mac McGinnis
Teacher Facilitator: Alesha Youngs
Abstract: Our question that we are testing is “can raspberries germinate in damp paper towels in microgravity compared to gravity?” We believe that if we’re able to get raspberries to successfully germinate with a damp paper towel it could help us reserve soil. We have previously conducted an experiment here on Earth germinating raspberry seeds inside of a damp paper towel. We now want to see if this process will be sped up in microgravity. Our experiment research is important to understanding germination of seeds because we may need other forms of growing and germinating seeds besides soil, especially in microgravity.
Oral 11: Houston, Texas
School and/or District: San Jacinto College
Grade level of Team: 10-13
Title: Comparison of Arabidopsis thaliana Germination and Cell Wall Growth in Microgravity versus Standard Conditions
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Maheen Bukhari, Marcus Pitre, Amna Qureshi
Teacher Facilitator: Carrie Owens
Abstract: This experiment investigates the effect of microgravity on cell wall growth in the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. The FME mini lab will contain 15 seeds in cotton that will be mixed first with rainwater and later with formalin to freeze growth. Results will enable a better understanding of how the growth of a cell wall is affected in by microgravity conditions and provide insights into potential benefits of growing crops in space for agricultural research and food production.
Oral 12: Plano, Texas
School and/or District: Plano ISD Academy High School, Plano Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 12
Title: Growth and Life Cycle of Crickets (Acheta Domesticus) in Microgravity for Astronaut Consumption
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Abhinav Ajish, Jacob Castro, Nawal Siddiqui
Teacher Facilitator: Mary Smith
Abstract: The proposed experiment investigates the effects of microgravity on the growth, development, and protein composition of crickets (Acheta domesticus) to assess their viability as a sustainable food source for astronauts. By comparing crickets hatched and raised in space to those on Earth, this study aims to determine microgravity’s impact on their life cycle and nutritional value. The findings will inform the potential for utilizing crickets as an efficient, high-protein food source during long-duration space missions, supporting astronaut and mission sustainability.
Oral 13: San Antonio, Texas
School and/or District: Engineering and Technologies Academy at Theodore Roosevelt High School, North East Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 11-12
Title: Chia Seeds in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Solangel Bass, Tina Tse, Amanda Brake, Bryan Godos
Teacher Facilitator: Christopher Wilson
Abstract: The experiment will focus on the germination of 20 Salvia hispanica seeds in microgravity. The seeds will be introduced to purified water on day U-14. The hypothesis is that the seeds will germinate just as much in microgravity as the control seeds will on Earth. This experiment is intended to illuminate the possibilities of growing food on space journeys with regard to lighting limitations.
Oral 14: Waxahachie, Texas Team 1
School and/or District: Eddie Finley Junior High School, Waxahachie Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: Tardigrade Growth in Space
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Peyton Dues, Caris Gray, Olivia Jones
Teacher Facilitator: Ashley Dawson, Theresa Smithey
Abstract: The experiment is designed to explore if tardigrades can produce eggs and hatch and develop in microgravity period of time. The materials we will be using are tardigrade eggs and an FME3-type tube. Based on research, tardigrades can survive at any temperature and survive up to thirty days without food or water. It is not known if tardigrade eggs can hatch and develop in space. This experiment will help us figure out that information (Guidetti et al.).
Oral 15: Waxahachie, Texas Team 2
School and/or District: Robbie E. Howard Junior High School, Waxahachie Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: How do Microgravity and Space Conditions Affect the Growth of Cucumber?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Caiden Holmquist, Coralee Holloway, Levi Blaise Lewis, Cadee Smith
Teacher Facilitator: Michelle Dominy, Theresa Smithey
Abstract: This experiment will measure the effects of microgravity on the early development of Cucumbis sativus (cucumber). It will also compare how a cucumber seed grows on Earth and in space. Cucumber seeds will be used because they have many health benefits. Our research showed that cucumbers may fight cancer, help with skin care, help your immune system, help with blood pressure, and contain many vitamins! (Milovanovic, et al.) The FME tube will be separated into three sections.