Last update of this page: June 27, 2016, 3:12 pm ET
Information still to be determined (if any) is in RED TEXT below.
This page provides descriptions of all 24 oral presentations by student teams at the 2016 SSEP National Conference.
All teams needed to submit a description of their presentation via email to John Hamel by 5:00 pm ET, Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 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.
Oral Presentations for the 2016 SSEP National Conference
Mission 7
Oral 1: Johnson County, Nebraska
School and/or District: Johnson County Central High School
Grade levels of Team: 11 and 12
Title: Effect of Microgravity on Nitrogen Fixation in Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Rudy Pooch
Co-Investigators: Isaac Buss, Spencer Dorsey, Keelee McClintock, Natalie Roddy, Mason Waring
Collaborators: Sara Kettelhake, Sopha Kongmanyvong, Tashayla Dorn
Teacher Facilitators: Nichole Justesen, Vicky Boone
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 and allowed the seeds to begin germination in microgravity to study the effect on nitrogen fixation. 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 in plants that germinated on Earth and in space.
Oral 2: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
School and/or District: Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District
Grade level of Team: 12
Title: How is the Growth of the Bacteria Rhizobium radiobacter Affected by Microgravity?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Marina Good
Collaborator: Jezrielle Bruno
Teacher Facilitator: Paula deDiego
Abstract: The experiment was to examine the effects of microgravity on the growth and endotoxin production of Rhizobium radiobacter. R. radiobacter is a bacterium causing “plant cancer” (a.k.a. Crown Gall Disease). A portion of a T-DNA inserts itself into the plant’s DNA causing the plant cell to alter, expand, forming a tumor, as a result of altered cell genomes. Analysis included OD, mass pellet, LAL assay, and microscopy. Results show microgravity effected some aspects of this bacteria’s morphology and endotoxin production.
Oral 3: Burleson, Texas, Team 1
School and/or District: The Academy at Nola Dunn
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: What are the Effects of Hydrogel Polymers when Mixed with Water in Microgravity vs. on Earth?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 7 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Bryston Baker, Westley Mitchell, Kylie Morton, Delaney Storey
Teacher Facilitator: Susan Mundt
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to observe the effect of polymers and if they absorbed less or more water in microgravity. Polymers are an important material as they are used in a variety of items on Earth. We hypothesized that the microgravity experiment would absorb more water than our ground truth experiment. Our experiment proved our hypothesis correct, as our microgravity experiment absorbed water completely while our ground truth experiment still contained dry polymers.
Mission 8
Oral 4: Prince George’s County, Maryland
School and/or District: Chesapeake Math & Information Technology Elementary School
Grade level of Team: 5
Title: Hot Pepper Power
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 8 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Akintunji Akinselure, Pamela Ikegwu, Lise Chelsea Mbakop, Clarence Rucker, Victoria Rush, Ebrima Sise, Jasmine Wilson
Co-Investigators: Dariel Gray, Kayla Kingston, Darlene Opoku, Roshni Pawar, Cameron Salisbury, Sydney Virgil, London Wiggins
Collaborators: Joycelyn Ajiboye, Grace Akinsola, Caleb Bradley, Jailyn Buie, Zoe Burkett, Iris Daniels, Nandi Edwards, Ralph Martino, Bryant-Alexander Oliphant, Hannah Simmons
Teacher Facilitator: Benora McCain
Abstract: The students from Chesapeake Math & Information Technology Elementary School in Prince George’s County decided to research hot peppers. We researched and discovered that hot peppers can fight bacteria. The purpose of this mission is to find alternative food sources for astronauts. If they can germinate hot peppers this could be used to help fight bacteria. This will keep astronauts healthy. We hope hot pepper seeds will germinate in a microgravity environment. This could be a new food source for astronauts.
Mission 9
Oral 5: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
School and/or District: Westcot Elementary School, School District 45
Grade levels of Team: 6 and 7
Title: Red Worms Composting in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Griffin Edward, Shania Farbehi, Vesal Farahi, Kristopher Kirkwood, Joseph Piovesan
Advisors: Rick Adam, Dr. Leigh Palmer, Professor Emeritus of Simon Fraser University
Teacher Facilitator: Matt Trask
Abstract: Our group proposed to send red worms into space hoping to gain information that could lead to deep space travel. Worms are good composters and if they grow in space, astronauts could have gardens. In space, worm cocoons will be mixed with soil and water. Then we will give them six weeks until we freeze the process. If red worms can compost then on the ISS we could have a composting toilet. (Worms turn the feces into soil.)
Oral 6: Springfield, New Jersey
School and/or District: Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School, Springfield Public Schools
Grade level of Team: 7
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Growth of Ryegrass Seeds
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: David Ares, Jeremy Dash, Daniel Munoz
Co-Investigators: Timothy Burns, Antonio Nacci
Teacher Facilitator: Alison Gillen
Abstract: This experiment is designed to monitor the growth of Ryegrass seeds in microgravity compared to the ground truth. Ryegrass seeds embedded on a gauze growth chamber will start the germination process by the release of water on day U-14. Concentrated salt solution will stop the growth five days before the lab returns to Earth. Analysis will include the number of germinated seeds, direction and length of root growth, and change of mass compared to the ground truth.
Oral 7: Columbia, South Carolina
School and/or District: W.J Keenan High School, Richland School District One
Grade level of Team: 9
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Turbidity of a Non-Newtonian Fluid Mixture of Cornstarch and Water
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Cedric McQueen, Ryan Mathews, Tevin Glover
Teacher Facilitator: Kirstin Bullington
Abstract: Turbidity is the measure is the measure of light that can pass through a water sample. Cornstarch is obtained from the endosperm of the corn kennel. In regular gravity, this non-Newtonian fluid is hard when you hit it hard or fast, but when you operate in a slow motion it acts like a liquid. When left to settle, the mixture separates somewhat due to gravity, so we were curious if microgravity would affect the initial mixing and then its settling.
Oral 8: Bullard, Texas
School and/or District: Bullard High School
Grade level of Team: 9
Title: Microgravity’s Effects on Solanum tuberosum Resistance to Phytophthora infestans
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Emma Rhyne, Valerie Vierkant
Co-Investigators: Emmalie Ellis, Raelee Walker
Advisor: Dr. Azghani, University of Texas at Tyler
Teacher Facilitator: Alaina Cannon
Abstract: Our experiment’s purpose is to provide information to the scientific universe about growing stable food sources in microgravity without danger. Phytophthora infestans, or the late potato blight, devastated the past. Now that humanity dares to live in space, there is a potential for it to once again wreak havoc. Our experiment tests whether Solanum tuberosum (or blight-resistant potatoes) remain blight-resistant in space by exposing S. tuberosum to Phytophthora infestans.
Oral 9: Burleson, Texas, Team 2
School and/or District: Kerr Middle School
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: What are the Effects of Amoxicilin on E.coli in microgravity?
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 9 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Delaney Storey
Co-Investigators: Trinity Conard, Bailey Lasater, Karis Knifely
Teacher Facilitator: Lana Sather
Abstract: The experiment was designed to investigate the effectiveness of amoxicillin in combating E. coli in a microgravity environment compared to the Earth ground truth. Protocols stated that amoxicillin would be introduced into E. coli tainted water in the type 2 FME mini-lab.
Oral 10: Burleson, Texas, Team 3
School and/or District: Hughes Middle School
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: What are the Effects of Radiation on DNA in Microgravity?
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Belle Davis-Hernandez, Emma Dustin, Emma Fritz, Presley Galland
Teacher Facilitator: Doug Cline
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to test the effect radiation has on DNA in microgravity. We learned that the methylation of DNA can sometimes lead to cancerous cells. The plan was to observe how the DNA in cells react to the radiation found in space. The knowledge gained from this experiment would help protect people who travel into space in the future. The knowledge gained from this could show if cancer would affect those living in space.
Oral 11: Burleson, Texas, Team 4
School and/or District: Academy at Nola Dunn
Grade level of Team: 5
Title: Does Microgravity have an Effect on the Disintegration of Kidney Stones in Chanca Piedra?
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Hannah Greenhill, Caleb Quisenberry, Cooper Williams
Teacher Facilitator: Riki Bunch-Pettigrew
Abstract: Through our concern about the tendency of astronauts to develop kidney stones, we designed an experiment to test whether chanca piedra would effectively dissolve kidney stones in a microgravity environment. We wanted to keep the treatment as natural as possible. We used artificial calcium oxylate kidney stones, grown ourselves, to determine the appropriate amount of chanca piedra solution, then provided a fixative. We duplicated this for our ground truth experiment. We will be looking for differences between the two experiments.
Oral 12: Bellevue, Washington, Team 1
School and/or District: Open Window School
Grade level of Team: 7
Title: Arabidopsis Germination in Martian Soil Simulant
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Subi Lumala, Vivienne Rutherford, Catherine Whitmer
Teacher Facilitator: Brian Preston
Abstract: Our experiment is to see whether Arabidopsis thaliana will germinate in Martian soil simulant in microgravity. Other researchers have shown A. thaliana grows in Martian soil simulant, but the lower gravity of Mars cannot be simulated on Earth. Hence, we are using the microgravity in the ISS as an approximation of Mars’ lower gravity. We chose this experiment because of the recent news about water on Mars, and we are hoping this could help future settlers grow plants on Mars.
Oral 13: Bellevue, Washington, Team 2
School and/or District: Open Window School
Grade level of Team: 4
Title: Pectobacterium Hydrolyzation of Polysaccharides in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Nolan Daniels, Bess Hurlock, Sonja Larson, Nathan Wen
Teacher Facilitators: Erica Mahoney, Randy Hollinger
Abstract: Our experiment would give more knowledge about bacteria behavior in space. For our experiment we are going to use a Solanum tuberosum (potato) and put it in contact with the bacteria, Pectobacterium carotovorum. When humans grow plants off world we need to know what precautions to take so the plants stay healthy. On Earth the bacteria would break down the potato’s cell structure, but we don’t know what will happen in microgravity.
Oral 14: Bellevue, Washington, Team 3
School and/or District: Open Window School
Grade level of Team: 5
Title: Hydroponics Germination in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Ava Arabshahi, Claire O’Connor, Anika Thomas
Teacher Facilitator: Danalynn Coulon
Abstract: Our project aims to study hydroponics plant germination in microgravity. Hydroponics is growing plants without dirt, and with just water and fertilizer. Our goal is to investigate if hydroponics will be able to germinate in microgravity and low-pressure conditions in space. The results of this experiment can help astronauts harvest fresh food while in space. Our ground truth experiment used alfalfa and medallion seeds and fertilizers, growing in rockwool cubes.
Oral 15: McAllen, Texas
School and/or District: International Baccalaureate at Lamar Academy, McAllen Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 11
Title: The Effects of the Perchlorate Ion on Solanum lycopersicum Germination in Simulated Martian Soil in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 9 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Sabrina Benitez, Sofia Escobar, Juan Pablo Flanagan
Teacher Facilitator: Laura Nikstad
Abstract: Establishing a sustainable colony on Mars begins with exploring the effects of the perchlorate ion in Martian soil and microgravity on crop seed germination. Our Type 3 FME mini-lab will contain Martian simulated soil with Solanum lycopersicum seeds. Distilled water will be introduced to catalyze germination and after twelve days, 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin will be added to suspend any further development, allowing us to determine how plants that have evolved on Earth will respond to harsher alien conditions.
Mission 10
Oral 16: iLEAD Consortium, California, Team 1
School and/or District: iLEAD Innovations Studios AV, Hart Union High School
Grade levels of Team: 9 and 10
Title: Can Annelid Eggs Hatch in Microgravity?
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Cleopatra Casillas, Shelby Cooper
Collaborators: Eriq Aquino, Austin Chapa, Shayla Smiley
Teacher Facilitator: Kelly Clark
Abstract: Our experiment was designed to expand the possibilities of crop cultivation of annelids, or vermiculture. Our hypothesis is to determine if the cocoons can hatch in microgravity (mG). Encapsulated Earthworm CocoonsTM will be placed in volume 2 of the Fluids Mixing Enclosure (FME), with water in volume 1, and a fixative in Volume 3. The first douse of water will dissolve the clay encapsulation, the formalin will stop any other unnecessary process from happening.
Oral 17: iLEAD Consortium, California, Team 2
School and/or District: Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School
Grade level of Team: 11
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on Oxidation
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Dustin Fields, Alec Lewis, Kai Turner
Collaborator: Thomas Coussens
Teacher Facilitators: Zaola Goiri Virto, Kathleen Fredette
Abstract: Our SSEP project aims to test the effects of microgravity on the oxidation of iron. By exposing an iron sample to water while in a microgravity environment, we hope to study the effects that microgravity has on the formation of iron oxide. Upon the experiment’s return to Earth, we will be conducting an extensive metallurgical study on the iron oxide that forms. We predict that microgravity will have an effect on how the iron oxide forms.
Oral 18: University System of Maryland, Maryland, Team 1
School and/or District: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Grade levels of Team: 14 and 15
Title: Investigating Cell Migration under Microgravity Conditions
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Sylvia Edoigiawerie, Kamsi Odinammadu, Amelia Smith, Beverly Wu
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Michelle Starz-Gaiano
Abstract: Our experiment seeks to observe the effects of microgravity on cell migration, an important process involved in fighting infection and repairing wounds. Developing eggs in fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, serve as our experimental system due to genetic similarities between fruit flies and humans. Parent flies are sent to the ISS to create offspring whose egg development will occur in microgravity. Upon return from the ISS, ovaries will be stained to analyze our expected results of delayed migration and altered cell machinery.
Oral 19: University System of Maryland, Maryland, Team 2
School and/or District: University of Maryland, College Park
Grade level of Team: 15
Title: Bacterial Motility in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Yaniv Kazansky, Aaron Solomon, Garshasb Soroosh
Collaborator: Wade Winkler
Teacher Facilitator: Kenneth Frauwirth
Abstract: Pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria are a threat to long-term space travel, and microgravity has been shown to enhance pathogenicity. This experiment will assess the role of microgravity on expression of pathogenicity genes by bacterium Bacilus subtilis. B. subtilis endospores will be sent to the ISS and activated in microgravity. Growth will be stopped and mRNA will be preserved before reentry. We will analyze mRNA levels (through RNAseq) on the ISS sample and a ground control, providing information on gene expression.
Oral 20: Summit, New Jersey, Team 1
School and/or District: Kent Place School
Grade level of Team: 8
Title: Planarian Re-generagtion in a Microgravity Environment
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Elizabeth Cotter, Erin Green, Adrianna Guarino, Maya Vuchic
Teacher Facilitator: Wendy Hall
Abstract: This experiment was designed to test the ability of planaria to regenerate in microgravity. The purpose of our experiment was to gather data and apply it to humans in order to create a platform for further research on this topic. Our ground truth results showed successful regeneration of a planarian and their ability to survive in a test tube for extended periods of time. If the planarian had been exposed to a microgravity environment, we expected to find signs of cellular atrophy.
Oral 21: Summit, New Jersey, Team 2
School and/or District: Kent Place School
Grade levels of Team: 5 and 7
Title: The Development of Venessa cardui Butterflies in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Alexandra Anderson, Olivia Adamczyk, Isabella Diaz, Nora Lee, Aya Mtume, Abigail Wall, Elizabeth Wyshner
Advisor: Meg Ballard, Ph.D.
Teacher Facilitators: Maura Crowe, Rebecca Van Ry
Abstract: This experiment involves comparing the development of Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) butterflies from eggs to pupae in microgravity to earth conditions. The butterfly eggs will be refrigerated, which promotes dormancy and delays hatching and development until arrival on the ISS. This study will provide data about insect development and survival in microgravity. Insects are important to life on Earth as pollinators. These results could lead to more natural food production and better oxygen levels on future extended missions.
Oral 22: Houston, Texas, Team 1
School and/or District: Harmony Science Academy – Houston High School
Grade level of Team: 10
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on Shewanella Oneidensis
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Ayomide Akintola, Esteban Fuentes
Co-Investigators: Abdul Ahtesham, Umar Shakih
Teacher Facilitator: Michael Bowling
Abstract: This experiment was designed to study the effect of gravity on the consumption of metal by the microbe Shewanella Oneidensis. Clamp A will be unclamped on A+2 mixing S. Oneidensis/distilled water with lead. Analysis will include before and after measurements of lead mass and behavioral observation of the microbe.
Oral 23: Houston, Texas, Team 2
School and/or District: Harmony Science Academy – Houston High School
Grade level of Team: 10
Title: Human Egg Fertilization in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Paul de Guzman, Alejandro Valdes
Teacher Facilitator: Michael Bowling
Abstract: This experiment was designed to document the effects of microgravity on the process of human fertilization. The experiment proposes to suspend human sperm and eggs in two separate volumes and allow the sperm to fertilize the eggs. To analyze the results, a stereo microscope would be used to visually identify indicators of fertilization. Difficulties in securing materials have delayed conduction of the ground experiment. It is hypothesized that microgravity will affect the fertilization process, but the exact effect cannot be hypothesized.
Oral 24: Houston, Texas, Team 3
School and/or District: Harmony Science Academy – Houston High School
Grade level of Team: 10
Title: Influence of Microgravity in the Regeneration of the Planarian Species Girardia Dorotocephala
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 10 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Ben Appiah, Richard Gomez, Isaiah Ogunmaken, Bassam Razzaq, Matthew Vuong
Teacher Facilitator: Guchmyrat Paytakov
Abstract: This experiment was designed to study the regeneration of living tissue in microgravity environment compared a gravity environment. Severed worms will be sent to ISS, where they would have an allotted amount of time to regenerate on their own. At U-2, a clamp is removed that contains a fixative that will stop regeneration before going back to Earth. Analysis includes measurements of total body length, and total lengths of blastema and regeneration following blastema using a dissecting microscope.
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.