2019 SSEP National Conference – Student Team Oral Presentations

Last update of this page: June 21, 2019, 3:11 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, 2019, 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.

Download the 2019 Oral Presentation Template.

This page will provide descriptions of all 23 presentations by student teams at the 2019 SSEP National Conference.

 

Oral Presentations for the 2019 SSEP National Conference

Mission 12

Oral 1: Corcoran, California
School and/or District: John Muir Middle School, Corcoran Unified School District
Grade level of Team: 6

Title: The Broccoli Study

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 12 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Luz Angelica Medina, Montserrat Maldonado

Co-Investigators: Laisha Fernadez Haro, Lupita Nunez

Teacher Facilitator: Alexandra Dias

Abstract: This experiment was designed to monitor the germination of broccoli seeds in space. On interaction day A+2, we opened clamp A and shook gently for 5 seconds. On interaction day U-2, we opened clamp B and shook gently for 5 seconds. After analysis we determined that the seeds in the space mini lab showed a small amount of growth. In conclusion, broccoli seeds germinated in space happened faster than the ground truth experiment, because of microgravity.

 

Oral 2: Galloway, New Jersey – Stockton University – Team 1
School and/or District: Stockton University
Grade level of Team: 16

Title: The Effects of Microgravity on PEGMA based Self-Assembly and Impacts on Drug Delivery Systems

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 12 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Daniel Schneider, Christina Tallone, Chioma Uka

Advisor: Dr. Nathaniel Nucci

Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Pamela Cohn

Abstract: This experiment investigated how a polymeric drug delivery vehicle can self-assemble around a hydrophobic dye in microgravity conditions. It was hypothesized that microgravity conditions could be a solution to creating a monodispersed drug delivery system. After return from the ISS, microscopic analysis showed that the flight experiment exhibited a greater amount of long-range order and mono-dispersity than the ground truth experiments. These trends support the hypothesis of the experiment, but should be repeated to track release kinetics in solution.

 

Oral 3: Ector County, Texas – Team 1
School and/or District: Falcon Early College High School
Grade level of Team: 11

Title: The Efficacy of Ideonella Sakaiensis in a Microgravity Environment

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 12 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Deidre Morales

Collaborators: Francis Dapanas, Mason Driggers, Faith Eleby, Damien Galindo, Wendy Hernandez, Juan Mendoza, Yazlin Romero, Gracielle Velasco

Teacher Facilitator: Elizabeth Gray

Abstract: Ideonella Sakaiensis is a bacterium that has the unique ability to degrade plastic. A culture of Ideonella Sakaiensis and a piece of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) were put together to see if the bacteria decomposes the material in the same way it would on Earth. We compared bacterial growth in both samples; there was significant growth in both samples. The ground sample had more growth than the flight sample. We are awaiting results on the change there was to the plastic.

 

Oral 4: iForward – Grantsburg, Wisconsin – Team 1
School and/or District: iForward Public Online High/Middle School, School District of Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Grade levels of Team: 7-9

Title: Grain Size and Distribution Analysis of Gallium in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 12 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Anita Finch, Grace Mullikin, Andrew Nichols, and Dominic Parker

Advisors: Dr. Kevin Crosby, Dr. Doug Dunham

Teacher Facilitators: Ron Cerveny, Constance Quade, Jena Winder

Abstract: This experiment focuses on gallium, a soft metal with a low melting point. The experiment seeks to determine if the grain size and distribution in gallium is different after it is melted and allowed to re-solidify in microgravity vs. on Earth. The purpose of this experiment is to determine if gallium’s properties change in any way that could allow it to alloy with other metals in a microgravity environment, providing an abundant resource for creating physical structures in space.

 

Oral 12: Sao Paulo, Brazil – Team 2
School and/or District: Dante Alighieri, EMEF Perimetral, Projeto Âncora
Grade level of Team: 6-8

Title: Addition of “Green Plastic” to Enhance Cement Properties in Space

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 12 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Otto Gerbaka, Laura D’Amaro Bittencourt Pereira, Guilherme de Figueiredo Funck, Sofia Palma de Avila Reis, Natan Cardoso de Oliveira

Collaborators: Miriam Brito Guimarães, Patrícia Sousa da Silva, Leandro Alves dos Santos, Camila Mafra Uva

Teacher Facilitator: Tiago Bodê

Abstract: How can we include powder from recycled plastic to the mixing process of cement to make it more suitable to space application? Considering ISS will receive a plastic recycler machine, our group is looking for new construction materials to make advanced manufacturing in space possible. The development of the material proposed here has the potential to mitigate some risks that cement could offer in the microgravity and also add radiation-shielding properties.

 

Mission 13

Oral 5: Sao Paulo, Brazil – Team 1
School and/or District: Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina – Campus Xanxerê
Grade level of Team: 12

Title: Capillarity versus Gravity in the Filtration Process

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Isabela Battistella, Ricardo Cenci, Roberta Debortoli, Renata Müller

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.

 

Oral 6: Winfield, Alabama
School and/or District: Winfield City High School
Grade level of Team: 12

Title: Purification of Water in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 7: Moreno Valley, California
School and/or District: Moreno Valley Unified School District
Grade level of Team: 7

Title: The Growth and Development of Sustainable Brine Shrimp in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 8: Riverside, California
School and/or District: John W. North High School, Riverside Unified School District
Grade level of Team: 11-12

Title: Chenopodium Quinoa Cell Development in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 9: Hillsborough County, Florida
School and/or District: Randall Middle School, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Grade levels of Team: 7-8

Title: Mung Bean Project 2018

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Riana Basista, Payton Hardy, Sydney Jacobson, Alexander Januario

Teacher Facilitator: Mary Vaughn

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.

 

Oral 10: Anne Arundel County, Maryland
School and/or District: Magothy River Middle School
Grade level of Team: 6

Title: Effect of Microgravity on the Structural Strength of Concrete

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 11: University System of Maryland, Maryland
School and/or District: University of Maryland, College Park
Grade level of Team: 13

Title: The Effects of Microgravity on DNA Damage Response (DDR)

Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 13: Redford, Michigan
School and/or District: Hilbert Middle School, Redford Union School District
Grade level of Team: 8

Title: Can Peppermint Seeds Germinate in Space?

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 14: Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas
School and/or District: Coronado Middle School, Kansas City, Kansas Public School District
Grade level of Team: 7-8

Title: The Growth of Mint in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 15: Galloway, New Jersey – Stockton University – Team 2
School and/or District: Stockton University
Grade level of Team: Undergraduate

Title: Analysis of Double Stranded Break Repair in Haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae Under Spaceflight Conditions

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 16: Springfield, New Jersey
School and/or District: Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School
Grade level of Team: 7

Title: Triops longicaudatus Growth and Development in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Ava Fidalgo, 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.

 

Oral 17: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – University of Pittsburgh
School and/or District: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Grade level of Team: 16

Title: Transcriptomic Analysis of Escherichia coli Response to Ciprofloxacin in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 18: Burleson, Texas
School and/or District: STEAM Middle School, Burleson ISD
Grade level of Team: 6

Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Growth of Red Wiggler Earthworms

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 19: Ector County, Texas – Team 2
School and/or District: Odessa Career & Technical Early College High School, Ector County Independent School Distrcit
Grade level of Team: 9

Title: Life Expectancy of an Active Leukemia Sample

Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 20: Ector County, Texas – Team 3
School and/or District: Falcon Early College High School, Ector County Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 11

Title: The Bioremediation of Pestalotiopsis Microspora in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 21: Ector County, Texas – Team 4
School and/or District: Nimitz Middle School, Ector County Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 6

Title: Activation of C. Sporogenes in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Maryam Akram, Sydney Richardson

Co-Investigators: Eva Brower, 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.

 

Oral 22: Marfa, Texas
School and/or District: Marfa Elementary School, Marfa Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 4-6

Title: Eradicating Bacteria in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

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.

 

Oral 23: iForward – Grantsburg, Wisconsin – Team 2
School and/or District: iForward Public Online High/Middle School, School District of Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Grade levels of Team: 9-11

Title: What Happens to the Germination of Solanum lycopersicum ‘Red Velvet’ seeds in Microgravity?

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 13 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Juliann Bartholomew, Stella Benzing (not attending), Jessica R. Ojeda-Barojas, Lily Olson and 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.

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 DreamUp PBC and NanoRacks LLC, which are 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.