This page provides a video archive of presentations at the annual SSEP National Conference by student researchers whose experiments were part of the SSEP Eagle experiments payload aboard STS-134 – the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour. This was the first flight opportunity for SSEP.
STS-134 launched at 8:56 am ET, May 16, 2011, and returned to Earth at 2:34 am ET, June 1, 2011. For details on the flight profile for Eagle, see the SSEP on STS-134: Final Flight of Shuttle Endeavour page.
Some student flight teams present at more than one annual conference, reporting out status at various stages of the life cycle of a flight experiment. It is also true that not all student flight teams attend a conference. For details on all Eagle flight experiments, see the Selected Experiments on STS-134 page.
Lincolnwood, Illinois
Title: Efficiency of Microencapsulation in Microgravity as Compared to Gravity
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
Lincolnwood School District 74
Grade levels of Team: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Principal Investigator: Brandon Gligor
Teacher Facilitator: Sharon Churchwell, NBCT, Science Teacher & Gifted Educational Specialist
Abstract: This experiment combined a 4% aqueous solution of the drug ciprofloxacin with a 10% aqueous solution of the coating polyvinylpyrrolidone in low Earth orbit to investigate the process of microencapsulation in microgravity. The combined ciprofloxacin and polyvinylpyrrolidone solution from the space sample and a similar solution from a ground-truth sample were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope and thermogravimetric analysis to evaluate the efficiency of the coating process and the extent agglomeration was observed.
Jefferson, County, Kentucky
Title: The Effect of Micro-Gravity on the Viability of Lactobacillus GG
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
Academy @Shawnee, Jefferson County Public Schools
Grade levels of Team: 9-11
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Principal investigator: Ashleigh Keister
Co-Investigators: Ben Bommarrito, Alenandro Cid, Miranda Fitz, Cody Harral, and Amber Walters
Teacher Facilitator: Imogen Herrick
Abstract: We designed an experiment to test the viability of the bacterium Lactobacillus GG, a probiotic. Lactobacillus is used as a preservative to keep dairy products fresh. It is present in yogurt and assists our body with digestion. The procedure consists of exposing Lactobacillus to micro-gravity and counting colonies when it returned to Earth. This will allow the determination of the viability of Lactobacillus. Understanding the viability of probiotics in micro-gravity can promote longer space missions without risking the health of astronauts.
Zachary, Louisiana
Title: What Is the Effect of Microgravity on the Development of Murine Myoblasts?
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
Copper Mill Elementary School, Zachary Community School District
Grade levels of Team: 5
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Co-Principal Investigators: Alexis Albert, Grace Dry, Madison Russell, Leanne Sorrel
Co-Investigators: Tyler Jackson, Jake O’Brien
Teacher Facilitator: Circe Bridges
Abstract: Zachary Community School District students investigated the effect of microgravity on the development of murine myoblast. Working with Louisiana State University professors, Copper Mill Elementary students prepared samples and compared glucose levels with sample levels exposed to microgravity. The team rationalized that higher levels of glucose consumption indicate increased levels of cell development. Based on the sample results, the team concluded that microgravity had no effect on the development of the myoblast samples.
Ballston Spa, New York
Title: The Development of Tilapia Eggs in Space
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
Milton Terrace South Elementary School, Ballston Spa Central School District
Grade levels of Team: 5
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Co-Principal Investigators: Jordyn Catherall, Kate Yager, and Dana Betti
Teacher Facilitator: Angelo D’Annibale, 5th Grade Teacher
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to test the development of Tilapia Eggs in space. The hypothesis is was that microgravity that the eggs would be exposed to in space may cause the eggs to develop differently than they would on Earth where gravity is present. Tilapia eggs typically hatch in 5 days when the temperature is approximately 85 degrees. Out control samples did not develop. However, three out of the five experimental eggs developed..
Guilford County, North Carolina
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on Brine Shrimp
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
Mendenhall Middle School, Guilford County Schools, Northern Region
Grade levels of Team: 6-8
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Principal Investigators: Alex Atwater and Bailey Weikel-Feekes
Co-Investigators: Caleb Dillard, Anna Freundt, Maggie Sellers, Ryan Daw, Zach Mulholland, Iain Rice, and Clay Hering
Teacher Facilitator: Lenny Sue French, MS Ed, Sixth Grade Science Teacher
Abstract: Mendenhall Middle School was the representative for Northern Guilford County, NC aboard the STS-134. Our experiment; “The Effect of Microgravity on Brine Shrimp Development” was designed to test what effect, if any, gravitational forces have on development of a living organism.
Portland, Oregon
Title: Lysozyme Protein Crystal Growth in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
Jackson Middle School, Portland Public Schools
Grade levels of Team: 7
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Co-Principal Investigators: Celeste Brown and Josephine Smith
Teacher Facilitator: Jennifer Kelley
Scientific Advisor: Dr. Eric Gouaux, Oregon Health and Science University
Abstract: We chose to grow lysozyme crystals in space because it can be used as a drug target for cancer. We wanted to do research that could help our friend Brittany who is dying of cancer. The goal of the experiment was to discover if the crystals grow better in micro-gravity. We compared crystal growth between conditions on earth and on the shuttle. Our analysis consisted of comparing the size of the crystals using x-ray diffraction.
El Paso, Texas
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on Biofilm Formation by E. coli on Polystyrene Particles
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
El Paso Community College Transmountain Campus (EPCC)
Transmountain Early College High School (TMECHS)
Grade levels of Team: College Sophomore, and Grade 11
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Co-Principal Investigators: Michelle Holguin, Diana Pahman, and Jarisma Rodriguez
Collaborator: Gloria Balderas de Anchondo
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Maria E. Alvarez, Professor of Biology
Abstract: Bacterial biofilms are communities of bacteria surrounded with a slime-like substance that creates a protective shield and makes them resistant to a variety of environmental factors. The objective of our project is to determine if biofilm formation by Escherichia coli on polystyrene plastic particles is influenced by microgravity conditions. Experiments were conducted by incubating 500-mm polystyrene beads and E. coli suspensions under microgravity and normal gravity conditions. Biofilm formation was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Title: Antimicrobial Effect of Honey in E. coli growth
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
El Paso Community College Transmountain Campus (EPCC)
Transmountain Early College High School (TMECHS)
Grade levels of Team: College Sophomore, and Grade 11
Type of Experiment: Honorable Mention Finalist, SSEP on STS-134
Co-Principal Investigators: Nora Ortega, Carla Stevenson, Paul Swopes, and Perla Lozano
Collaborator: Gloria Balderas de Anchondo
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Gertrud Konings-Dudin Assistant Professor of Biology
Abstract: Honey was traditionally popular among civilizations which used it as a medicine to alleviate many diseases. Recent evidence suggests that honey can indeed be used in the treatment of different pathologies caused by bacteria. The objective of this project is to determine the effect of microgravity on the antimicrobial properties of honey. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration Assay (MIC) was used to study the antimicrobial effect of natural honey on E. coli K-12.
Title: Investigating Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile Variation between E. coli K-12 Exposed to Microgravity and Full Gravity Environments using a SIEMENS Micro-Scan® Automated Bacterial Identification System
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
El Paso Community College Transmountain Campus (EPCC)
Transmountain Early College High School (TMECHS)
Grade levels of Team: College Sophomore and Grade 11
Type of Experiment: Honorable Mention Finalist, SSEP on STS-134
Co-Principal Investigators: Cassandra Avila, Megan Gonzales, Derick Kalt, and Carlos Monserrat
Collaborators: Dr. Violeta Chavez, Gloria Balderas de Anchondo, and Javier Delgado
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Maria E. Alvarez, Professor of Biology
Abstract: Escherichia coli is a bacterium found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals that can develop resistance to antibiotics. Previous studies have found that exposure to cosmic radiation and microgravity environments can alter bacterial DNA and possibly antibiotic susceptibility. The objective of our project is to study the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of E. coli K-12 after exposure to microgravity and space conditions. The bacteria were studied using a SIEMENS Micro-Scan® automated bacterial identification system.
Canyons School District, Utah
Title: Microgravity’s effects on morphagens in common species
Oral Presentation, 1st Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2011
Hillcrest High School
Grade levels of Team: 11
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-134
Principal Investigators: Nikos Liodakis, Megan Dolle, and Keltson Howell
Collaborator: Phil Talbot
Teacher Facilitator: Jonathan Miller, Head Physics Teacher
Abstract: The specimen Xenopus Laevis (African clawed frog) was expected to develop in microgravity with deformities in the nervous system, identified by enlarged eyes and an arched spinal column (an absence of gravity alters the diffusion of chemicals in a biological system, including the morphagen activin). However, the results are inconclusive, as the Xenopus Laevis embryo failed to develop. While other eggs in the same spawn developed regularly, the returned sample shows no signs of growth.