Last update of this page: June 16, 2025, 2:52 pm ET
Information still to be determined (if any) is in RED TEXT below.
This page provides descriptions of all oral presentations by student teams at the 2025 SSEP National Conference.
All teams needed to submit a description of their presentation via email to John Hamel by 5:00 pm ET, Monday, June 4, 2025, 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: 2025 Oral Presentation Template
This page will provide descriptions of all 16 presentations by student teams at the 2025 SSEP National Conference.
Oral Presentations for the 2025 SSEP National Conference
Mission 18
Oral 1: Colorado Springs, Colorado
School and/or District: University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak State College
Grade levels of Team: 15-16
Title: Calcium Sulfate Crystal Growth in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Luke Davis, Noah Grebe, Blake MacDonald
Advisors: Dr. McKenna Lovejoy, Dr. Jena McCollum
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Lynnane George
Abstract: The investigation was conducted to observe how a microgravity environment would affect the growth of crystalline structures. This was tested by mixing an aqueous sodium sulfate solution with an aqueous calcium chloride in orbit to trigger a reaction that would precipitate calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals. X-ray Diffraction data analysis confirmed that both space and ground samples were of the same crystalline structure. This research is important in aiding future interplanetary and microgravity manufacturing that will support humanity’s colonial exploits.
Mission 19
Oral 2: São Paulo, Brazil / Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
School and/or District: Escola SESI Ananindeua – Brazil
Grade levels of Team: 11-12
Title: Jambu (Acamella oleracea) Germination from the Future Space Exploration Perspective
Type of Experiment: Semi-finalist Proposal, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Gabriel Renato Nascimento Santos, Pedro Lucas Calandrini Fernandes de Carvalho, Maria Clara Sousa Medeiros, Mario de Sousa Ramos Neto
Teacher Facilitator: Thiago Almeida Machado, José Wilker Lima da Cunha
Abstract: The study explores the germination of jambu (Acmella oleracea), a plant native to northern Brazil known for its nutritional, medicinal, and culinary value, under microgravity conditions. Due to its high vitamin content and spilanthol-rich composition, jambu can be a candidate for space agriculture. Germination experiment using test tubes and boxes were monitored with a Labdisc Biochem device, which recorded environmental data. Findings support a proposed FME mini-lab experiment for potential applications in future space missions.
Oral 3: São Paulo, Brazil / Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
School and/or District: Escola Divina Providência
Grade levels of Team: 11-12
Title: How does Microgravity Interfere with the Antifibrotic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome when Treating Cells with Hepatic Fibrosis?
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Clara Vintém Moleiro, Gabriela Fernandes Takakura, Isadora Souza Lima Zanni, Luísa Guimarães Moehlecke, Lorena Paoli Bispo, Miguel Guimarães de Almeida
Teacher Facilitator: Aline Mendes Geraldi
Abstract:
Oral 4: São Paulo, Brazil / Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
School and/or District: Escola Básica e Secundária Carolina Michaëlis, Porto, Portugal
Grade levels of Team: 11-12
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on the Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Ana Beatriz Oliveira Gomes, João Paulo Machado Ribeiro, Laura Coimbra Cesário, Maria Rita Valongo Pinto, Mariana De Almeida Pinheiro, Rafael Silva
Teacher Facilitator: Elsa Alves
Abstract: Prolonged microgravity exposure leads to muscle atrophy and bone density loss, increasing fracture and osteoporosis risk, endangering long-duration missions and astronauts’ mobility upon return to Earth. The secretome, a set of molecules secreted by cells, facilitates precursors’ cell differentiation into osteoblasts, directly impacting bone formation. This experiment examines whether microgravity affects the palate periosteum mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived secretome osteogenic potential. MSCs will be exposed to microgravity and control secretomes, and later characterized for alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red stainings.
Oral 5: Ukraine
School and/or District: Skole Secondary Educational Service School
Grade levels of Team: 9-10
Title: Polyurethanes from Renewable Raw Materials for Insulation in Aerospace
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment 1, Mission 19 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Maria Poyasnik
Investigator: Khrystyna Yareminets
Teacher Facilitator: Larysa Romanyshyn
Abstract:
Oral 6: Ukraine
School and/or District: Taras Shevchenko Lyceum of Kropyvnytskyi City Council
Grade level of Team: 9
Title: Investigation of the Effect of Microgravity on Germination of Legume Plants
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment 2, Mission 19 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Skliarevska Daria
Investigator: Ponomariova Kateryna
Teacher Facilitator: Liudmyla Yankova
Abstract:
Oral 7: Colusa, California
School and/or District: Colusa High School, Colusa Unified School District
Grade level of Team: 12
Title: Bioremediation in Microgravity: Harnessing Oil-Eating Bacteria for Environmental Restoration
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Alaina Torres, Caeden Agnew, Madison Burtleson, Sophia Thompson
Teacher Facilitator: Benjamin Haney
Abstract: This investigation explores the effect of gravity on bacteria’s (Bacillus subtilis) ability to breakdown petroleum compounds. Mineral oil was used as a safe compound to model oil spill compounds. By analyzing gas chromatography data, we can determine the extent of the oil’s breakdown. Baseline, control, and flight experimental data will be collected with the help of UC Davis professor, Dr. Donald Land.
Oral 8: Hillsborough County, Florida
School and/or District: Randall Middle School, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Grade levels of Team: 6-7
Title: Production of Mung Beans i.e., Vigna radiata in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Platon Drozdov, Grayson Jones, Shravan Karthick
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Lori Bradner
Abstract: This investigation explores how microgravity affects mung bean germination and growth and evaluates their potential as a nutritious space crop. By comparing results from space and Earth, we’ll assess germination rates, plant development, and nutritional value. Mung beans are ideal for space due to their fast growth, high nutrient content, and health benefits. A mini lab with spring water, mung beans, and a fixative will be used to conduct the experiment aboard the ISS.
Oral 9: Athens, Ohio
School and/or District: Ohio University
Grade level of Team: Undergraduate (grades 15-16)
Title: Effect of Microgravity on Growth of Watercress: a Promising Space Food
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Lara Fogwell, Cat Gavin
Collaborator: Jake Magula
Teacher Facilitator: Remington Burwell
Abstract: Duckweeds belong to a family of floating aquatic plants. One of the Duckweeds, Lemna minor has been a target of recent research as a bioenergy crop for its potential to accumulate starch, fight radiation damage, and purify water, as well as its potential as a crop in spaceflight. This experiment will investigate the effects of spaceflight on Lemna minor’s germination, and how this species can grow and adapt in microgravity in a limited, enclosed space.
Oral 10: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – CCAC
School and/or District: Community College of Allegheny County
Grade level of Team: 13
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Quantitative Measurements of Calcite Crystals
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Arianna Swearman, Ashley Pfeffercorn
Teacher Facilitator: John Float
Abstract: By analyzing the impact of reduced gravitational forces on calcite, this experiment will provide insight into how otoconia changes in structure, development, and remodeling in space environments. Additionally, understanding these changes is crucial for applications treating the otoconia-related conditions of astronauts such as dizziness and vertigo from prolonged space travel. Measurements of crystal length, width, height, and volume will be carefully documented to compare the characteristics of crystals formed in microgravity against those grown under standard Earth conditions.
Oral 11: San Anotonio, Texas
School and/or District: Space and Engineering Technologies Academy, North East Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 8
Title: Microgravity Effect on the Corrosion Rates of Iron and Aluminum
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Hazelrose Fullylove
Investigators: Isabelle Mora, Kinley Mosley, Luna Yamaguchi
Teacher Facilitator: Austin Hardy
Abstract:
Oral 12: Waxahachie, Texas
School and/or District: Eddie Finley Junior High School, Waxahachie Independent School District
Grade level of Team: 6
Title: Growing Strawberries in Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Lucas Brooks, Kellan Johnston, Raegan Trice, Dakota Weir
Teacher Facilitator: Ashley Dawson
Abstract: This investigation will explore strawberry seed growth in microgravity. Strawberries have vitamins, like vitamin C, which can help you recover from sickness. Growing strawberries can also help the air quality. We will use an FME 3 tube with strawberry seeds in volume 2. Volume 1, Tru organic fertilizer and water with organic cotton. In volume 3, formalin to fix the experiment. We think if we test strawberry growth in microgravity, then it can help provide food on the ISS.
Mission 20
Oral 13: Fort Morgan, Colorado
School and/or District: Morgan Community College
Grade level of Team: 14
Title: Effects of Zero Gravity on The Germination of Radishes in Hydrogel
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 20 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: McKayla Cranford, Cierra Lebsock
Teacher Facilitators: Bill Miller, Steve Sjostedt
Abstract: The ability to grow plants in microgravity is critical for the sustainability of long-term space missions. This study examines the effects of zero gravity on the germination and early development of radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds grown in a hydrogel medium. Radishes are selected for their fast growth cycle and potential as a space crop. The primary experiment aims to assess how microgravity influences germination rates, root orientation, and nutrient absorption compared to Earth-based controls.
Oral 14: Melbourne, Florida
School and/or District: Florida Institute of Technology
Grade levels of Team: 14 and 16
Title: Investigating the Effects of Microgravity on Plant Genetic Transformation
Type of Experiment: Semi-Finalist Proposal, Mission 20 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Davonya Cheek, Rahi Kashikar, Eva Bernadel
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Andrew Palmer
Abstract: This proposal investigates the ability of Agrobacterium to conduct horizontal gene transfer under microgravity conditions. The project will involve the inoculation of tobacco seeds with A. tumefaciens and the addition of kanamycin ‘stop’ solution to arrest the transformation process after appropriate time frame to allow transformation to occur without causing damage to the seeds. Seeds will be extracted and put under simulated microgravity to examine the effects under fluorescence and grown to produce seeds to determine effect on future generations.
Oral 15: Melbourne, Florida
School and/or District: Florida Institute of Technology
Grade level of Team: 16
Title: The Impacts of Microgravity on Ciliary and Flagellar Development
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 20 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Lucy Elizabeth Turner, Trevor Mello, Josh Ahrens
Investigator: McKenna Taylor
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Andrew Palmer
Abstract: Cilia and flagella are known to be involved in vital biological processes such as breathing, reproduction, embryonic development, and brain maintenance. Malfunctions in these similar structures can be detrimental to human health. To model the effects of microgravity on human ciliary development, this experiment proposes culturing C. reinhardtii on the International Space Station (ISS) and studying the development of its flagella under microgravity conditions.
Oral 16: Melbourne, Florida
School and/or District: Florida Institute of Technology
Grade levels of Team: Undergraduate and Graduate Student
Title: Viability of Hydrogel Radiation Shielding Under the Influence of Microgravity
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 20 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Leighton Karpinia
Investigators: Leyla Avant, Sampada Koirala
Collaborators: Emily Matheson, Caroline Moore
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Andrew Palmer
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of microgravity on hydrogels used for radiation shielding. Without protection from the Earth’s atmosphere, astronauts and vehicles are susceptible to damage from ionizing radiation. Hydrogels are known to protect healthy tissues during radiation therapy and are promising for space applications. However, microgravity may influence particle aggregation, potentially diminishing hydrogels’ ability to shield from radiation by altering their structure. Understanding these effects will advance the use of hydrogels for protection during spaceflight missions.