This page provides a video archive of presentations at the annual SSEP National Conference by student researchers whose experiments were part of the SSEP Mission 13 to ISS Gemini experiments payload. Mission 13 to ISS was the fifteenth SSEP flight opportunity.
Gemini launched on SpaceX-18, on July 25, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Gemini returned to Earth on SpaceX-18, splashing down in the Pacific off the California coast on August 27, 2019.
For details on the flight profile for Gemini, see the SSEP Mission 13 to the International Space Station (ISS) 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 Gemini flight experiments, see the Selected Experiments on SSEP Mission 13 to ISS page.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Title: Capillarity versus Gravity in the Filtration Process
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina – Campus Xanxere
Grade level: 12
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Isabela Battistella, Ricardo Cenci, Roberta Deborotoli, Renata Muller
Co-Investigators: Victor Bernardes, Andreia Weber
Teacher Facilitator: Daniel Ecco
Abstract: This experiment was designed to investigate water filtration in microgravity, using activated charcoal, which would happen by capillarity instead of gravity as it happens on Earth. It uses a solution of methylene blue as the liquid to be filtered. The results will be reached by comparing the concentration of solutions filtered in microgravity and under the action of terrestrial gravity through spectrophotometry, technique that will be able to tell us which sample has lower absorbance and consequently was more efficient.
Winfield, Alabama
Title: Purification of Water in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Winfield City High School
Grade level: 12
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Luke Clark, Tanner Edmond, Davis Holdbrooks, Luke Jungels, Savannah Williamson
Advisors: John Buteyn, Dr. Yoshika Crider, Amanda Cunningham, Tim Estes
Teacher Facilitator: Jennifer Birmingham
Abstract: This experiment is designed to determine the effects of microgravity on the purification of water using iodine tablets. Astronauts will introduce iodine tablets to contaminated water by shaking the FME. Our experiment will be compared to our ground truth experiment by analyzing the amount of moving microorganisms using an Aquavial test kit, microscope grid slides and culture growth in petri dishes. We hypothesize that the microorganisms will be exterminated by the iodine and result in purified water.
Moreno Valley, California
Title: The Growth and Development of Sustainable Brine Shrimp in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Moreno Valley Unified School District
Grade level: 7
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Aidan Alvarez, Vince Mora, Vincent Ruiz
Teacher Facilitator: Gayle DiCarlantonio
Abstract: We will examine how brine shrimp hatch and develop in response to microgravity. We believe that our experiment will contribute to their use as a sustainable food resource. Brine shrimp can adapt to harsh conditions and could be used as primary consumers of a food chain in raising fish and other crustaceans in an aquaculture setup in space or on another planet. We hope that our experiment is successful and can be used for further research in this area.
Riverside, California
Title: Chenopodium Quinoa Cell Development in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
John W. North High School, Riverside Unified School District
Grade levels: 11-12
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Karen Cortina, Audrey Cui, Alejandra Robles, James Rohde, Hannah Terão
Teacher Facilitator: Adam Quaal
Abstract: The experiment will study microgravity’s effects upon Chenopodium quinoa by analyzing the physiological characteristics indicative of plant health. Quinoa seeds will be sent to the International Space Station and germination will be activated once in microgravity. After sprouting, the C. quinoa will be fixated in formalin buffer and sent back to Earth to be examined with a parallel ground experiment. Results will support quinoa’s role in the quest to find valuable food sources for long-term space exploration.
Hillsborough County, Florida
Title: Mung Bean Project 2018
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Randall Middle School, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Grade levels: 7-8
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Riana Basista, Payton Hardy, Sydney Jacobson, Alexander Januario
Teacher Facilitator: Mary Vaughan
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on the growth/germination of Mung Beans. Our experiment will measure for the rate of the growth/germination of Mung Beans. Seed germination is so critical and not very well understood in microgravity. Mung Beans and other vegetables will expand the in-orbit food capabilities and will allow astronauts to have a viable food source.
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Title: Effect of Microgravity on the Structural Strength of Concrete
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Magothy River Middle School
Grade level: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Principal Investigator: Gabby Munoz
Co-Investigators: Ethan Shellem, Gavin Wildberger, Caleb Young
Teacher Facilitator: Lauren Ebersberger
Abstract: This experiment will test if concrete can hold its natural structural integrity in microgravity. Structural integrity is the ability of an item to hold together under a load without breaking. We will be using a Type 2 FME filled with Quikrete powder and water. We will test whether concrete hardened in microgravity can hold the same amount of weight as concrete hardened on Earth to narrow down possible building materials that could be used in microgravity for the future.
University System of Maryland, Maryland
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on DNA Damage Response (DDR)
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
University of Maryland, College Park
Grade level: 13
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Lena Franklin, Ben Gross, Samuel Howard, Abhirami Thaivalappil, Frank Zheng
Teacher Facilitator: Hao Yiu
Abstract: DNA damage response (DDR) comprises cellular pathways that detect and repair lesions to DNA. C. elegans, an established model nematode species is suited to demonstrate the impact of DNA damage on multicellular organisms. Prior experiments disagree on the effects of microgravity on DDR. We investigate how microgravity impacts DDR with C. elegans in a short-term spaceflight experiment by comparing the expression of exo-3 and mrt-2, orthologs of human checkpoint genes, in a space and ground sample.
Redford, Michigan
Title: Can Peppermint Seeds Germinate in Space?
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Hilbert Middle School, Redford Union School District
Grade level: 8
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Destinee Chaney, Joseph Clark, Ethan Cuevas-Martinez, Ada Mahar, Dontez Robinson
Teacher Facilitator: Maureen Lemon
Abstract: This experiment was designed to provide help for muscle pain astronauts might experience in microgravity. It’s been proven that the microgravity environment weakens the muscles of astronauts if not exercised daily which can also cause bone loss. We are testing peppermint growth in microgravity, and on the ground, because peppermint has medicinal properties that help muscle pain. When the results come back from the ISS, we will see if the peppermint germinated and compare it to the ground experiment.
Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas
Title: The Growth of Mint in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Coronado Middle School, Kansas City, Kansas Public School District
Grade levels: 7-8
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Uhunoma Amayo, DaQuon Cheadle, Carlos Jimenez Reyes, Daleshone Sharkey
Teacher Facilitator: Erin Morley Henry
Abstract: Can mint successfully grow in a microgravity environment? We were drawn to mint due to its outstanding health benefits. We would like to see the growth process of mint in space because we want to make life on the International Space Station more comfortable for astronauts. In addition, if successful, this will allow for space travel without the constant need to resupply food. We believe mint will be able to grow in space because mint can grow with little sunlight.
Galloway, New Jersey – Stockton University
Title: Analysis of Double Stranded Break Repair in Haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae Under Spaceflight Conditions
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Stockton University
Grade levels: Undergraduate
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Matthew Elko, Joseph Romanowski, Daniel Stoyko
Teacher Facilitator: Michael J. Law, Ph.D.
Abstract: As spaceflight advances, significant questions regarding health risks should be addressed. This experiment addresses DNA damage repair under microgravity using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At A=0, clamp 1 is removed to expose desiccated yeast to growth media and a DNA damaging drug. At A+2, clamp 2 is removed to allow fixation of the dividing yeast culture. DNA damage repair will be analyzed using a combination of molecular and cellular approaches.
Springfield, New Jersey
Title: Triops longicaudatus Growth and Development in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School
Grade level: 7
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Ava Fidalogo, Sarah Lumas, Miriam Pereira, Lakela Whitney
Teacher Facilitator: Alison Gillen
Abstract: Will Triops eggs grow and develop in microgravity? Using a Type 3 FME, 10 eggs and 1 pellet of Triops food go in volume 1, 5 ml of water in volume 2 and 1 ml of Buffered Formalin in volume 3. On A+2 the astronaut will unclamp A to flood the eggs with water. Fourteen days before the Triops come back to Earth the astronaut will unclamp B releasing the fixative to stop the growth of the Triops.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – University of Pittsburgh
Title: Transcriptomic Analysis of Escherichia coli Response to Ciprofloxacin in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Grade level: 16
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Mohamed Kashkoush, David Katz, Anu Patel
Teacher Facilitator: Christian Gauthier
Abstract: We will expose Escherichia coli to sub-inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin in microgravity, and upon return to Earth, quantify any transcriptomic changes that occurred. Through this analysis, we will explore if survival responses assessed in previous spaceflight studies are antibiotic-specific or generalizable between different classes of antibiotics. The ultimate goal is to work towards constructing evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of infections in astronauts as well as to provide insight into the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance for drug development.
Burleson, Texas
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Growth of Red Wiggler Earthworms
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
STEAM Middle School, Burleson ISD
Grade level: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Carolyne Harvey, Heston Irons, Sohan Islam, Ashlyn Johns, Sara Gutierrez Cortazar
Teacher Facilitator: Alyssa Sanchez
Abstract: The experiment is designed to test the effects of microgravity on Red Wiggler Earthworm growth. The ground truth experiment will be compared to the microgravity experiment on the ISS. Cocoons will be placed in the FME along with bedding, water and coco-coir, which is nourishment for the hatchlings. On arrival, A=0 unclamp Clamp A to mix the materials with cocoons. U-2, unclamp B and gently shake to release Formalin. Analysis includes comparison of earthworm mass, length, quality, and hatched cocoons.
Ector County, Texas
Title: Life Expectancy of an Active Leukemia Sample
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Odessa Career & Technical Early College High School, Ector County Independent School District
Grade level: 9
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 13
Principal Investigator: Chloe Shrum
Investigator: Heaven Trevizo
Collaborator: Nayelie Uranga
Teacher Facilitator: Lorissa Bright
Abstract: Leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia affect oxygen levels in the body which weakens the immune system, even resulting in a fatality. In 2018, 24,370 people were expected to die from leukemia according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This proposal would have observed how radiation in space affects a leukemia tissue sample, and whether radiation in space kills cancer quicker than radiation on Earth, if at all. The implications of this study would have been helpful in exploring possible solutions to treatment.
Title: The Bioremediation of Pestalotiopsis Microspora in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Falcon Early College High School, Ector County Independent School District
Grade level: 11
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 13
Principal Investigator: Damien Galindo
Investigator: Deidre Morales
Collaborators: Navaeh Leal, Jalen Mendoza, Rachel Rey, David Tavarez
Teacher Facilitator: Elizabeth Gray
Abstract: Mushrooms have the ability to break down and decompose dead animals and plants. Pestalotiopsis Microspora, however, has a unique ability to break down polyurethane. With this experiment, we could use this information to apply the fungus to making progress in the removal of plastic pollution in oceans and landfills. Conducting this experiment in space will allow us to gain a better understanding of how this fungus would function and adapt in microgravity.
Title: Activation of C. Sporogenes in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Nimitz Middle School, Ector County Independent School District
Grade level: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Maryam Akram, Sydney Richardson
Co-Investigators: Eva Bower, Aidan Gomez, Maison Leet, Jean Machado Torres
Teacher Facilitators: Priscilla Torres, Courtney Smith
Abstract: Radiation in space causes cancer, especially colon cancer. Clostridium sporogenes, an anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that produces oval subterminal endospores is being sent to the ISS. C. sporogenes was chosen because it is non-pathogenic and has been used in colon cancer treatments. The activation of these spores in microgravity will be studied. This study aims to treat colon cancer in astronauts with a novel method when they get exposed to radiation in space.
Marfa, Texas
Title: Eradicating Bacteria in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
Marfa Elementary School, Marfa Independent School District
Grade levels: 4-6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Charlotte Browning, Ashley Certain
Co-Investigators: Madison Cash, Daniela Fernandez, Colette Fowlkes, Mabel Melgaard
Advisors: Michael San Francisco, PhD; Marilyn M. Sanders, PhD; Amanda Starr, PhD Candidate
Teacher Facilitator: Cheri Aguero
Abstract: This experiment explores eradicating Bacillus subtilis in microgravity. Freeze-dried bacteria will be placed on one end of a Type 3 FME, a media broth (tryptic soy) in the center, and then isopropanol alcohol. Once the FME is in microgravity, clamp A will be opened to rehydrate the bacteria, then Clamp B will be opened to release the isopropanol alcohol. When the FME returns to Earth, the number of bacterial spores will be calculated and compared to the number in the ground truth.
iForward-Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Title: What Happens to the Germination of Solanum lycopersicum ‘Red Velvet’ Seeds in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2019
iForward Public Online High/Middle School, School District of Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Grade levels: 9-11
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13
Co-Principal Investigators: Juliann Bartholomew, Stella Benzing (not attending), Jessica R. Ojeda-Barojas, Lily Olson, Holly Orth
Advisors: Dr. Kevin Crosby, Mark Dilley, Dr. Nicole Soper Gorden, Michelle Uetz, Dr. Yiqun Weng
Teacher Facilitators: Laura Kavajecz, Jena Winder
Abstract: This experiment focuses on the germination of Solanum lycopersicum ‘Red Velvet’ seeds in microgravity. This variation of tomato is known as a popular food source and is known for its sweet taste and small size. The purpose of this experiment is to test if the Solanum lycopersicum ‘Red Velvet’ seeds can germinate correctly under the effects of a microgravity environment. If Solanum lycopersicum can germinate in microgravity, this could result in a new crop for astronauts to grow in space.