Andrew Abercromby and F. Jay Haran aren’t suiting up for space missions this summer, but the University of Houston doctoral students are working with scientists in the Neurosciences Laboratory at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI).

Abercromby, who is studying kinesiology, plans to work in human spaceflight-related research and development. This is his second time working with NSBRI.

“As a second-year Ph.D. student and research assistant in the Department of Health and Human Performance at UH, an experience like this — to work on actual space science at Johnson Space Center — is unparalleled,” Abercromby said. “I’m interested in human physiology in space flight and want to be involved in research. I’ve applied for two internships with NSBRI because they’re the institute leading research in this field.”

In 2002, Abercromby led a project to develop a spacecraft attitude determination technology using digital imagery. The co-op at JSC fulfilled his work requirement for earning his master’s degree.

Abercromby, who also was an NSBRI intern in 2003, received his bachelor’s degree in engineering and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Edinburgh. He graduated from Buckhaven High School in Fife.

Haran, a first-year doctoral student majoring in kinesiology, is studying stride-interval variability and analyzing data collected from astronauts before and after returning from missions on the International Space Station.

“Working in the neuroscience motion lab allows me to collaborate with top researchers in my field and gives me the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology,” he said. “This experience should be an excellent opportunity to truly understand the role of scientists in the manned space field.”

Haran received his bachelor’s degree in health science from the University of Miami and his master’s degree in movement science, with a specialization in biomechanics, from Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla. He graduated from Conard High School in Hartford, Conn.

The NSBRI offers internships to a small number of undergraduate, graduate and medical students interested in life sciences. The 10- to 12-week program, which has been in place since 1998, gives students the opportunity to join ongoing projects with JSC scientists.

“The summer program is an excellent opportunity for students to gain exposure to space biomedical research and have mentors who are space life scientists,” said Jeffrey Sutton, NSBRI director. “The program allows us to engage and inspire the next generation of scientists.”

And, the UH students, who were two of only 13 candidates from a pool of international applicants accepted, are making quite an impression.

“Jay and Andrew do an exceptional job contributing to the space science in their labs, and both are committed to their career goals of one day working there,” said Kathryn Bruning, NSBRI chief of staff. “They are doing a very good job, and we are glad to have them.”

The NSBRI, which is funded by NASA, is a consortium of institutions studying health risks related to long-duration space flight. NSBRI research projects address such space health concerns as bone loss, muscle weakening, cardiovascular changes, sleep disturbances, immunology and infection, balance and orientation, radiation exposure, neurobehavioral and psychosocial issues, as well as nutrition, physical fitness and rehabilitation. The institute also is working to develop remote medical technologies and research devices.

Leticia Vasquez
lvasque5@central.uh.edu