Last update of this page: June 21, 2015, 1:22 pm ET
Information still to be determined (if any) is in RED TEXT below.
This page provides descriptions of all 30 oral presentations to be conducted by SSEP student researcher teams at the 2015 SSEP National Conference, July 2-3, 2015.
Mission 5
Oral 1: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
School and/or District: Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
Grade levels of Team: 12
Title: The Production of Antibiotics from Bacillus subtilis in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 5 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Liza Anderson, Samantha Bratkon
Co-Investigators: Ashley Monroe and Stephanie Tivnan
Teacher Facilitator: Paula deDiego
Abstract: This experiment was designed to monitor antibiotics production of Bacillus subtilis in microgravity compared to the Earth ground truth. Freeze-dried bacteria was activated with growth media on D-5. D-2 clamp a was re-engaged and clamp B was opened containing the growth inhibitor. Analysis included optical density testing, pellet mass measurements, Novel Assay for subtilin, beta-galactosidase assay. Our conclusion showed, an increase in growth rate and a decrease in the production of subtilin in microgravity compared to the ground truth.
Oral 2: Guilford County, North Carolina
School and/or District: Mendenhall Middle School
Grade levels of Team: 7-8
Title: Artificial Ear
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment on Mission 5 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Kaya Simpson, Joshua Cook, Ellie Weeks
Co-Investigators: Sean O’Connell, Ben Martin, Praise Idika, Favor Idida
Teacher Facilitator: Lenny Sue French
Abstract: Previous research indicates that Jellyfish born in space lost the ability to detect gravity. Our hypothesis was that the crystals jellyfish use to detect gravity had grown too large to move in the correct way since crystals tend to grow larger in space.
Oral 3: New York City, New York – NEST+m, Team 1
School and/or District: New Explorations in Science, Technology, and Math (NEST+m), NYC Department of Education
Grade levels of Team: 6
Title: What is the effect of microgravity on mold growth on white bread?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 5 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Noor Ajam, Foyez Alauddin, and Alexander Harris
Collaborators: Emma Alatzas, Ella Briman, Sarah Caba, Lucy Cantor, Elisa Carrillo, Samantha Chan, Sydney Cardieri, Hana Cruz, Benjamin Ebanks, Elana Field, Jack Geyer, Zander Grier, Meredith Griffin, Oscar Johnson, Liam Kronman, Jonathan Leybungrub, Jonathan Lim, Noah Mack, Macy McGrail, Haylie Parrilla, Tristan Pragnell, Elijah Shapiro, Ryo Shimosato, Jeron Wilkinson, and Nora Youngelson
Teacher Facilitator: Margaux Stevenson
Abstract: Presenting results from a flight experiment. The purpose of this experiment was to see the effect of microgravity on mold growth on white bread. For this experiment, a sample of white bread and formalin was loaded into a FME Type 2 tube. The results of the ground element and microgravity element was measured by the area of the mold on the white bread.
Oral 4: Hillsborough County, Florida, Team 1
School and/or District: FishHawk Creek Elementary, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Grade levels of Team: 6
Title: Will microgravity affect the germination/growth of lettuce seeds?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 5 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Miranda Corbo, Srinidhi Raghavan, Isabelle Utsler
Teacher Facilitator: Mary Vaughn
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on the growth/germination of lettuce seeds. Our experiment will measure for the rate of germination of lettuce seeds. Seed germination is so critical and not very well understood in microgravity. Lettuce and other vegetables will expand the in-orbit food capabilities and will allow for astronauts to have fresh food.
Mission 6 to ISS
Oral 5: Kalamazoo, Michigan
School and/or District: St. Monica Catholic School, Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo
Grade Level of Team: 10
Title: Microgravity’s Effects on Branchinecta Anostraca
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Natalie Moyer, Mackenzie Ortlieb, Delaney Hewitt, and Grace Brennan
Teacher Facilitator: Becky Reits
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment was to see if Branchinecta Anostraca could hatch and develop muscle in an environment with microgravity. Since, astronauts lose muscle in microgravity, it is hypothesized that the shrimp will be underdeveloped or not hatch at all.
Oral 6: Kamloops/Thompson, British Columbia, Canada
School and/or District: McGowan Park Elementary
Grade levels of Team: 7
Title: Creating Crystals in Space
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Jordan Brown, Hunter Galbraith, Kieren O’Neil and Ryan Watson
Co-Investigators: Justin Baker, Kennedy Coates, Daniel Funnell, Kieran Gundel, Dylan Hanson, Grace Heise, Allison Inovas, Jesse Kotani, Kessa Kwiatkowski, Jayden Lajeunesse, Daphne Legault, Blair McLeod, Alysha Muzio, Ellie Parker, Jacob Patton, Daniel Poirier, Jonathan Rinaldi, Kennedy Robidoux, Isaac Sieracki, Jessie Simons, Sylvaine Soth, Tessa Tangas and Tristan Wyers
Teacher Facilitator: Sharmane Baerg
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment was to observe the effect of microgravity on crystal growth. The crystals grown were barium thiosulfate formed by a precipitation reaction. This reaction was selected because of differences observed in the crystals formed when the solutions were mixed at different rates. By studying formation of different types of crystals in microgravity, a better understanding of crystal forming processes can improve the quality of materials manufactured on Earth.
Oral 7: Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas, Team 1
School and/or District: St. Peter’s School, Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph
Grade levels of Team: 7
Title: Biocides and Bacteria
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Eamon Shaw, Nicole Ficklin, and Holden O’Keefe
Teacher Facilitator: Robert J. Jacobsen
Abstract: The investigation determined the effects of the biocide iodine on Escherichia coli in microgravity as compared to its effects in the gravity of Earth. After testing, the researchers found that antibacterial agents in microgravity are shown to be less effective, as a result of the microgravity inhibiting antibacterial power and/or the greater resilience of bacteria in a microgravity environment. This was determined from the results of one test; more tests are needed to be conducted to substantiate these findings.
Oral 8: Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
School and/or District: Columbia Middle School
Grade levels of Team: 8
Title: Baby Bloodsuckers in Outer Space
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Julia Ellis, Kasia Kapustka, Gia LaSalle, and Lilyana Walsh
Collaborator: Bianca Urbina
Teacher Facilitator: Pamela Wilczynski
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to observe how microgravity affects mosquitoes on Earth compared to space. If the mosquitoes were to survive into the pupa stage, then we could potentially feed the pupae to crayfish and tilapia, which humans can then feed on in space. The mosquitoes chosen were the Aedes Albopictus because they could survive in the temperatures in the space station and the eggs were viable for just the right amount of time.
Oral 9: Somerville, Tennessee
School and/or District: Fayette Academy
Grade levels of Team: 10
Title: Reishi mushroom vs. E. coli
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Mark Montague
Co-Investigators: Averi Davis, Harley Wade, Tucker Whittington
Teacher Facilitator: Donna Burrus
Abstract: This study was conducted to find out what effect microgravity has on the Reishi mushroom’s (Ganoderma lucidum) ability to weaken, damage or destroy E. coli bacteria. The Reishi mushroom has a history of destroying and damaging various forms of cancers and pathogens. E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the digestive system of humans and animals. Microgravity’s lack of force due to the “free fall” environment could enhance the antimicrobial destroying properties of the mushroom.
Oral 10: San Antonio, Texas, Team 1
School and/or District: Hobby Middle School/Howsman Elementary School from Northside ISD
Grade levels of Team: 5-6
Title: Crystal Tetras
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Anthony Holmes, Kalista Ybarra, Madelyn Hickman, Jacob Rubi
Teacher Facilitators: Serena Connally, Ronica Korn, Michael Dawson
Abstract: In a collaboration between fifth graders of Howsman Elementary and sixth graders of Hobby Middle School, we designed an experiment to be performed on the ISS. We created Crystal Tetras: designed to test the growth and quality of Sodium Tetraborate crystals produced in a microgravity setting. Upon its return we were able to compare the crystals grown in space with crystals grown on Earth using microscopic analysis and x-ray crystallography.
Oral 11: Long Branch, New Jersey
School and/or District: Gregory School, Long Branch, New Jersey
Grade levels of Team: 5
Title: Hydroponics vs. Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Zachary FitzGerald, Ronnie Gibson, Jonathan Rocha, Michael Zapcic
Teacher Facilitators: Laura Lazzati and Elizabeth Muscillo
Abstract: This experiment explores using hydroponics in microgravity and the difference from plants grown on Earth using the same method. A seed will be grown using miracle grow on the ISS to assess the effect of microgravity on the growth of the seed. If the seeds grow more efficiently in microgravity that could help grow plants on Earth under the same protocols. The results from the hydroponic experiment on the ISS will be presented to show the comparison to the ground truth experiment.
Oral 12: Rockwall, Texas
School and/or District: Rockwall ISD
Grade levels of Team: 8-9
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on the Morphology and Reproduction of Cancer Cells
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Will Brown, Ryan Figert, Brooks Helmer, Chase Howerton, James Matthews, and Harrison Smith
Teacher Facilitator: Jeff Chandler
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on the morphology and reproduction rate of cancer cells. There are currently more then 100 different types of cancer causing numerous health problems including death. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was substituted for cancer cells due to similarties in morphology and reproduction. The experiment yielded no usable results due to cells lysing before analysis.
Mission 7
Oral 13: La Verne, California
School and/or District: Damien High School
Grade levels of Team: 12
Title: Tardigrade Cryptobiotic Strategies vs. Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Garrett Souza, David Washington, Ashwin Balaji
Investigator: Richard Conti
Collaborator: Aaditya Patel
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Trojanowski
Abstract: Tardigrades can, upon introduction to extreme environments, halt all metabolic processes in order to survive, through cryptobiosis. This experiment will investigate their cryptobiotic processes by measuring viability after exposure to a microgravity environment in an ametabolic state for a prolonged period. If capable of surviving exposure to microgravity, tardigrades may help us advance human space travel, such as expeditions covering greater distances and durations, as well understand as the evolutionary, possibly extraterrestrial, origins of the organism.
Oral 14: Sioux City, Iowa
School and/or District: North High School, Sioux City Community Schools
Grade levels of Team: 9
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on the Binding Between Peanut Specific IgE and Peanut Protein
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Robert Hwang
Co-Investigators: Tammy Tran, Rachel Hodgins
Teacher Facilitator: Pam Malone-Mason
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to determine the effect of microgravity on peanut allergies to see whether the lack of gravity will have a positive, negative, or neutral effect. Recently this type of allergy has become more prevalent. With more people diagnosed with peanut allergies, it is important to seek better treatments for peanut allergies sufferers.
Oral 15: Hillsborough County, Florida, Team 2
School and/or District: FishHawk Creek Elementary, Hillsborough County, FL
Grade levels of Team: 5
Title: Does Microgravity Affect the Germination Rate of Cotton Seeds
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Karinna Crespo, Chandrika Ganduri, Casey Utsler
Teacher Facilitator: Mary Vaughn
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on the germination of cottonseeds. We have decided to use cottonseed because if seeds have already germinated on the space station, then that proves that you can grow food in space. If our cottonseed germinates, this supports that you can use cotton in space. The proposed experiment addresses the question proposed because we predict that the germination of cottonseeds will be different from space to Earth.
Oral 16: Brookhaven, Mississippi
School and/or District: Brookhaven Academy
Grade levels of Team: 10
Title: Yeast as a Model Organism to Study COX-2 Enzyme Production in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Missy Noel Clanton, Mica Bailey Stewart
Teacher Facilitators: Leslie Hood, Dr. Dianne Watson
Abstract: Yeast is used as a model organism in cancer research. Sacchharimyces cerevisiae is used in this study due to its production of COX-2 enzyme. Microarray analysis will be used to measure mRNA levels of several thousand genes in yeast, including those involved in the production of COX-2. The specific aim of this experiment is to evaluate gene expression in S. cerevisiae by microarray analysis. Statistical analysis will determine possible variances in the Earth based experiment compared to microgravity.
Oral 17: Erie, Pennsylvania
School and/or District: Iroquois School District
Grade levels of Team: 5, 6, 7 & 8
Title: Using the Statocyst System to Investigate How the Vestibular System Would Provide Orientation and Balance to Living Organisms in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Morgan Schnars, Aalihya Bowersox
Co-Investigators: Mackenzie Moore, Tamara Burton
Collaborators: Brandon Brieger, Jadon Spring
Teacher Facilitator: Jennifer Foutz
Abstract: The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the disruption of the statocyst system in sea stars to provide further understanding of the human vestibular system’s function providing orientation in a microgravity environment. Sea stars use a statocyst to maintain equilibrium, which is driven by gravity and similar to the Otolith organ in the human ear. Using bioenergetics principles, regeneration of amputated sea star legs will be measured to determine if energy is allocated to regrowth or orientation.
Oral 18: Johnson County, Nebraska, Team 1
School and/or District: Johnson County Central High School
Grade levels of Team: 11 & 12
Title: Effect of Microgravity on Nitrogen Fixation in Trifolium pratense L
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Rudy Pooch
Co-Investigators: Isaac Buss and Keelee McClintock
Collaborators: Spenser Dorsey, Natalie Roddy and Mason Waring
Teacher Facilitator: Nichole Justesen
Abstract: On earth, legumes fixate nitrogen into soil, making it fertile. In this experiment we took red clover seeds (Trifolium pratense L), cotton, soil and water to examine how much nitrogen is produced. After return, both the control and the experiment will be tested for nitrogen. After planting the experiment and control in separate containers, we will test the plants throughout their entire life cycle. We believe that the nitrogen levels will be the same on Earth and in space.
Oral 19: Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas, Team 2
School and/or District: Crossroads Academy of Kansas City
Grade levels of Team: 6-7
Title: Will Sunflower Seeds Grow in Microgravity?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Saul Rodriguez
Co-Investigators: Jorge Ortiz, Kevin Alvarez
Collaborators: Michyla Westbrook-Samuels, Nautica Wiggins
Teacher Facilitator: Kristen Marriott
Abstract: Will sunflower seeds or Helianthus annuus germinate in microgravity? We think that the sunflower seeds will germinate in microgravity because, they are going to have purified water to help them germinate. We will open the clamp for the water and the seeds mix and shake for 10 seconds. We are doing this because sunflower seeds are healthy, and can be a source of food. When the FME comes down from microgravity, we will see if seeds have begun germination.
Oral: 20 Somerset, New Jersey, Team 1
School and/or District: Thomas Edison Energy Smart Charter School, Franklin NJ
Grade levels of Team: 5
Title: Evaporation Investigation
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Kareena Kapadia, Meghan Gajula, Natalia Arevalo
Teacher Facilitator: Maya Ghosh
Abstract: The purpose of this investigation is to find if water evaporates faster under microgravity or on earth, since it will determine how fast our human body will sweat in the space and the lifespan of fresh produce in future colonized space. If water evaporates faster in microgravity, then astronauts need to consume more water to keep them healthy but, if water evaporates slower, then astronauts need to consume less water. Water is in all living things, vegetation, and our body.
Oral 21: Austin, Texas
School and/or District: Eanes ISD
Grade levels of Team: 8
Title: The Growth and Development of the Heterotrophic Algae N. Oleabundans in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Kyle Shaw, Steven Foncerrada, Myles Kovalik, William Buchanan
Teacher Facilitator: Todd White
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on the growth of the heterotrophic algae N. Oleabundans in microgravity. We will analyze and compare the dry cell weight and lipid content of both our experiments.
Oral 22: Johnson County, Nebraska, Team 2
School and/or District: Johnson County Central High School
Grade levels of Team: 10 & 11
Title: Effect of Microgravity on Artemia NYOS Growth and Reproduction
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Schyler DeFreece, Sara Kettelhake, Courtney Klaasmeyer, Sopha Kongmanyvong
Collaborator: Karina Martinez
Teacher Facilitator: Vicky Boone
Abstract: We proposed an experiment on the growth of Artemia NYOS, commonly referred to as sea monkeys. The growth and reproductive rate of the sea monkeys in microgravity would have been measured and compared to the control. We conducted preliminary experiments on the rate of growth, reproduction, and number of mutations of the Artemia NYOS. This knowledge is important due to the fact that someday humans are very likely to want to reproduce in microgravity.
Oral 23: Burleson, TX
School and/or District: The Academy at Nola Dunn/Burleson Independent School District
Grade levels of Team: 5
Title: What are the effects of hydrogel polymers when mixed with water in microgravity vs. on Earth?
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Delaney Storey, Westley Mitchell, Kylie Morton, and Bryston Baker.
Teacher Facilitator: Susan Mundt
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to observe the effect of polymers and if they will absorb less or more water in microgravity. Polymers are an important material as they are used in a variety of items on Earth. They are used in credit cards, bottles, spandex, eyeglasses, and first aid packs. It is important to study the polymers and their absorption because this will one day help when families are living on the space station and not just astronauts.
Oral 24: San Antonio, Texas, Team 2
School and/or District: Business Careers High School
Grade levels of Team: 12
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Rate of Plant Growth
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Kaitlyn Bloch, John Gonzales
Teacher Facilitator: Andrew Morganti
Abstract: The purpose of this is experiment is to determine what effect microgravity has on the growth and development of plants. The experiment will examine the differences in the rate of cell growth and division between a set of radish seeds germinated in microgravity and an identical set of seeds germinated on Earth. It is important to know how microgravity will affect the rate of cell division to determine the feasibility of producing food to sustain astronauts on long-duration missions.
Oral 25: Somerset, New Jersey, Team 2
School and/or District: Thomas Edison Energy Smart Charter School
Grade levels of Team: 4
Title: The effectiveness of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) against bacteria in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Raina Desai, Panav Gala and Jiya Patel
Co-Investigators: Nishita Desai, Priti Gala and Apexa Patel
Collaborator: Jeffra Schaefer
Teacher Facilitator: Mrs. Maya Ghosh
Abstract: Studies show that astronauts on long missions are more susceptible to infection. Turmeric has been used for more than 4000 years as herbal remedy for infections. Experiments have been conducted which show Turmeric, C. Longo, (active ingredient- Curcumin) to have antimicrobial effects in gravity. Some scientists have discovered that Curcumin has potent anti-microbial properties that help our body fight infections. We hypothesize that if we treat bacterial colonies with Curcuma longa than we will have reduced bacterial growth in culture.
Mission 8
Oral 26: Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Ryerson University
School and/or District: Ryerson University
Grade levels of Team: 11 and 2nd year Undergraduate
Title: Will microgravity affect the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 8 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Komalpreet Kahlon, Francis Buguis, Gemma Mancuso, Modlin Orange, Kugenthini Tharmakulasekaram
Collaborator: Murad Jabarov
Teacher Facilitators: Bryan Koivisto, Nathan Battersby
Abstract: This experiment aims to explore the effect of microgravity on the growth of the saprotrophic fungus Pleurotus ostreatus, more commonly known as the pearl oyster mushroom. This fungus has been subject to much research. This highly nutritious fungus is grown in many countries and is consumed as a major source of nutrients. Differences in growth will be determined by studying the mycelial content in both samples. This research could be a step towards the production of food in space.
Oral 27: Santa Ana, California
School and/or District: Mendez Fundamental, Santa Ana Unified
Grade levels of Team: 6
Title: Does Microgravity Affect the Water Absorption of Hyaluronic Acid?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 8 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Haydee Contreras, Sandy Ceja, Daniel Polanco, Anthony Montiel
Teacher Facilitator: Lizette Cabrera
Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on the water absorption of Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) to see whether the lack of gravity will have a positive, negative or neutral effect on the water absorption of Hyaluronic Acid. Water absorption and maintaining moisture are important in space because there is only a limited amount of water sources on the ISS and maintaining moisture levels in microgravity environments can help the astronauts’ daily lives.
Oral 28: Toronto, Ontario, Canada – University of Toronto Schools
School and/or District: Independent School
Grade levels of Team: 8 and 11
Title: How will Microgravity Affect the Functions and Development of Stem Cells in S. Mediterranea Flatworm?
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 8 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Arjun Aggarwal, Rahim Dhalla, Matthew Egan, Madeline Elder, Alisia Lalji
Collaborators: Jeffrey Burrows, Ko Currie, Michael Prysciak
Teacher Facilitator: Suzanne Monir
Abstract: We devised a plan to examine the effects of placing a sexual and asexual species of Planarian flatworm, known as Schmidtea mediterranea, under microgravity. Planarians are capable of complete regeneration from any fragment of their body and have become essential in stem cell research. These organisms have unique genomic tools allowing for analysis of their regeneration process from a molecular perspective. Alteration of gravity can affect stem cell polarity, intercellular communication, and expression of related genes and processes essential to stem cell proliferation.
Oral 29: Suffolk County, South Huntington School District
School and/or District: Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center, South Huntington School District
Grade levels of Team: 6
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on How Detergent plus Polymer Beads Clean a Cotton Cloth
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 8 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Hussain Babar, Dylan Cellamare, Richard Kurjanski, Leo Musitano, Stephan Tsolis, Jacob Veeder
Teacher Facilitators: Mari Scardapane, Carol Kelly
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to observe how microgravity impacts the effectiveness of polymer beads when cleaning an oil-stained cloth. This is a major problem on the ISS due to the lack of water for washing clothing. On Earth, polymer beads require a minimal amount of water to be activated, expanding to trap stains. We will test our experiment in a microgravity environment and see how effectively the beads clean the cloth.
Oral 30: New York, New York – NEST+m, Team 2
School and/or District: New Explorations into Science Technology and Math, District 01
Grade levels of Team: 5
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Soft Contact Lenses
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 8 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Maya Karri
Collaborators: Alex Apelewicz, Chloe Coward, Tori Feinstein, Michelle Fridman, Jack Galligan, Anabel Giacobbi, Benjamin Goodstein, Quinci Huston, Andrew Kogan, Vivian Lee, Spring Lin, Haydn Long, Samantha Mayol, Ines Menendez, Fiona O’Reilly, Jean Carlos Paredes, Catherine Pyne, Kiara Reyes, Natalie Roston, Jacob Rubakha, Maximillian Shen, Rachel Svoyskiy, James Thompson, Abel Torres, Madison Williams, Danny Yang
Teacher Facilitators: Margaux Stevenson and Marvin Cadornigara
Abstract: This experiment investigates the effect of microgravity on biofilm formation on soft contact lenses. A biofilm is an assemblage of cells that adhere to a surface, held together by a substance they secrete. On contact lenses, they are harmful because they render any defenses useless. A type 3 FME that mimics a fluid processing apparatus is used. The bacteria used is Serratia marcescens and the growth medium is lactose broth. Biofilm formation on ground and experimental samples will be compared.
The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) is a program of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in the U.S., and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education internationally. It is enabled through a strategic partnership with NanoRacks LLC, working with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory. SSEP is the first pre-college STEM education program that is both a U.S. national initiative and implemented as an on-orbit commercial space venture.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), and Subaru of America, Inc., are U.S. National Partners on the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. Magellan Aerospace is a Canadian National Partner on the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program.