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Gisela DetrellView profile

Professor

• Aerospace Engineering
• Space Life Support Systems
• Virtual Reality Applications in Space Training
• +3 more

Prof. Gisela Detrell is a Professor of Human Spaceflight Technology at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich. She specializes in developing technologies for astronautical spaceflight, including life support systems (e.g., microalgae photobioreactors), mission simulations (e.g., Mars/Moon concepts), and virtual reality tools for astronaut training. Her work bridges engineering, biotechnology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: Bachelor/Master in Aerospace Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) PhD from the University of Stuttgart and UPC (2015), focusing on reliability analysis of life support systems for long-duration space missions Research Interests: Prof. Detrell’s research emphasizes sustainable life support systems for extraterrestrial habitats, VR-driven astronaut training, and interdisciplinary design approaches for space stations. Her photobioreactor studies explore algae-based solutions for oxygen and food production on lunar/mars bases, while simulations address mission realism and team performance under extreme conditions. Articles Overview: Her publications span VR docking simulators, ISS-based photobioreactor experiments, and biofiltration systems for closed-loop life support. These reflect a focus on practical, scalable technologies for long-term space habitation. Awards/Grants: No specific honors or grants listed in the text. Her academic contributions are highlighted through her professorship and research group leadership. Labs/Teams: She previously led the research group at the Institute of Space Systems in Stuttgart and currently heads the Human Spaceflight Technology group at TUM.

• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
• Space Biology
• Medicinal Crops
• +3 more

Thomas Graham is an Assistant Professor and PhytoGro Research Chair in Controlled Environment Systems at the University of Guelph, where he also serves as R&D Manager for the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF). His academic journey includes a BSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Guelph and Stirling University (1997), an MSc in Horticulture (2001), and a PhD in Environmental Biology (2012), all from the University of Guelph. He completed a NASA Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2012–2015) at Kennedy Space Center, focusing on bioregenerative life-support systems for space exploration. Dr. Graham’s research expertise spans controlled environment agriculture (CEA) , space biology , medicinal crop production , and water remediation . He leads projects addressing food security, crop diversification in urban farming, and sustainable practices for high-intensity agriculture. Key initiatives include developing CEA systems for medical crops, optimizing tree crops for spaceflight, and advancing composting-based closed-loop systems. His scientific contributions are reflected in roles as Associate Editor for Gravitational and Space Research and Editor for special issues on Agriculture in Space . He collaborates with NASA, USDA, OMAFRA, and international agencies like the German Space Agency (DLR). Awards include the NASA Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship. Dr. Graham emphasizes mentorship, conducting bi-weekly graduate meetings and fostering student autonomy while providing structured support. His lab integrates interdisciplinary approaches to tackle global challenges, from climate resilience to lunar food production.

• Biosensors
• Bio-nanotechnology
• Bioregenerative Life Support
• +4 more

Dr. D. Marshall Porterfield is a Professor of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue University, specializing in biosensors, bio-nanotechnology, and space biology. His research focuses on developing technologies for bioregenerative life support systems and nutrient delivery in microgravity environments. He served as NASA's Division Director for Space Life and Physical Sciences (2012-2016), pioneering initiatives like geneLAB and materialsLAB to advance space research utilization. His work bridges engineering and biology, with applications in space exploration and terrestrial challenges. Porterfield holds leadership roles in organizations like the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research and the Institute for Biological Engineering. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and holds patents in biosensor technology. Awards include the Halstead Investigator Award and election to the AIMBE College of Fellows. His research portfolio includes lab-on-a-chip devices, biomimetic sensors, and gravitational physiology studies, with recent emphasis on lunar agriculture and space radiation mitigation. His articles highlight advancements in space microbiology, extraterrestrial crop systems, and molecular responses to spaceflight. Key themes include optimizing oxygen delivery for hydroponics, detecting cancer biomarkers via microtest tech, and understanding aging in space environments. Porterfield collaborates across disciplines, leveraging Purdue's facilities like the Birck Nanotechnology Center and Discovery Park for interdisciplinary innovation.

A.C.J. VermeulenView profile

Researcher

• Space Systems Engineering
• Bioregenerative Life Support Systems
• Interstellar Exploration
• +3 more

A.C.J. Vermeulen is a researcher in the Department of System Engineering at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management. They specialize in transdisciplinary research at the intersection of space systems engineering, ecological modeling, and art-science integration. Research Interests: Space systems, bioregenerative life support, chaos theory, and art-science hybrids. Collaborations: Key collaborations include work with colleagues like A. Derm, A. Papic, and F. Brazier on interstellar systems and biomodd projects. Media Coverage: Their work has garnered public engagement, including media coverage in 2019 titled "Teruggaan om te blijven" (Returning to Stay), highlighting their contributions to science communication and space exploration narratives.

James NabityView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Space Systems Design
• +3 more

James Nabity is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Operations at the University of Colorado's College of Engineering and Applied Science, affiliated with BIOSERVE Space Technologies. His research focuses on Environmental Control & Life Support Systems (ECLSS), space habitat design, propulsion, and power systems for human spaceflight. He earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado (2007), an M.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from the Naval Postgraduate School (1989), and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska (1983). Professional experience includes roles as Principal Engineer at TDA Research (2007-2013) and Mechanical Engineer at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (1983-1999). His work emphasizes advanced materials, thermal systems, and bioregenerative life support solutions. Research interests span CO2 capture technologies, ionic liquid membranes, and thermal control architectures. Notable achievements include the 2017 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and selection as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2009. His contributions bridge academic research with practical aerospace engineering challenges. Publications highlight innovations in ECLSS design, space habitat systems, and propulsion architectures for Mars missions. Labs/teams include BIOSERVE’s collaborative initiatives in space biotechnology and environmental control systems.

Emmanuel FrossardView profile

Professor

• Soil Science
• Plant Nutrition
• Agronomy
• +4 more

Emmanuel Frossard is a Full Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. His research focuses on nutrient efficiency in agricultural systems, particularly phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, and cadmium dynamics across soil-fertiliser-plant interfaces and semi-natural ecosystems. He integrates advanced techniques like isotope tracing (33P, 15N), NMR spectroscopy, ICP-MS, and molecular methods in laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments. His work emphasizes sustainable nutrient management strategies to enhance food security while preserving soil health. As President of the Swiss National Research Program on soil (NRP 68), he drives national soil research initiatives. The group also explores nutrient cycling in agroecosystems, aquaponics, and climate-impacted environments like subarctic treelines and vineyards. Recent publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach to nutrient modeling, fertilizer efficiency, trace metal dynamics, and climate adaptation in crops like winter wheat and yams. Collaborations extend to Stanford University (2013) and institutions in West Africa, the Amazon, and Europe.

David BaylessView profile

Professor

• Energy Conversions
• Particulate-Laden Fluid Mechanics
• Air Pollution Control
• +5 more

Dr. David Bayless is a Professor and Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri S&T. He also serves as Interim Director of the NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium. He holds a B.S. from University of Missouri–Rolla (1987), M.S. from University of Central Florida (1992), and Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1995). His research focuses on energy and environmental technology creation, including lunar resource utilization, algal biotechnology, and pollution control. With over $22M in research funding, he has pioneered technologies like ECO 2 Capture Inc., a startup leveraging his intellectual property. He is a Professional Engineer (MO/OH), Fellow of ASME and NAI, and recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Engineering Educator Award. Education : BSME ’87 (Missouri S&T), MS ’92 (UCF), Ph.D. ’95 (UIUC) Affiliations : Missouri S&T, NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium Key Roles : Department Chair, Interim Director, Startup Founder His research integrates multiphase fluid mechanics, carbon recycling, and aerospace materials. Innovations include lunar regolith processing systems, magnetic-electrostatic separation techniques, and bioengineered algae solutions for CO₂ sequestration. Over 60 peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents reflect his contributions to energy systems, environmental remediation, and engineering pedagogy. Dr. Bayless’s leadership education initiatives include creating the ABET-accredited Energy Engineering program at Ohio University and founding ASEE’s Engineering Leadership Development Division. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem-solving in engineering education.

Andrew George PalmerView profile

Associate Professor

• Chemical Ecology
• Space Biology
• Quorum Sensing
• +5 more

Andrew George Palmer serves as Associate Professor and Associate Department Head & Program Chair in the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences at Florida Institute of Technology's College of Engineering and Science. He holds affiliate appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, directing the interdisciplinary Palmer Lab focused on chemical ecology and space biology. His research addresses critical challenges in extraterrestrial agriculture and environmental sustainability through biological solutions. Palmer's expertise spans Chemical Ecology , Space Biology , and Quorum Sensing , with emphasis on plant-microbe interactions in extreme environments. Key projects include developing perchlorate removal systems for Martian regolith (PEANUTS), studying nitrogen fixation in Anabaena for space agriculture, and investigating quorum sensing mechanisms in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. His work bridges terrestrial food security challenges with off-world habitat requirements, particularly for lunar and Martian settlements. Recent publications (2020-2025) reveal a dominant focus on Biological In Situ Resource Utilization (BISRU) , with 70% addressing regolith-based agriculture challenges. His research integrates microbial ecology, plant physiology, and planetary science to develop sustainable life-support systems, featuring recurring themes of perchlorate detoxification, nitrogen cycling in simulants, and microbial community characterization for space farming applications. Dr. Palmer actively mentors graduate students including PhD candidates David Handy, Kirstin Curshaw, and Steven Elsaid, with undergraduates regularly presenting award-winning research at conferences like the Florida Academy of Sciences. His lab secured the Provost's Seed Grant for the TASR project (Temperature and Atmospheric Simulator for Regolith) investigating early Martian habitability. Current collaborations include International Space Station plant microbiome studies and field work in Chile's Atacama Desert as a Martian analog. The Palmer Lab, housed in Florida Tech's Olin Life Sciences building, maintains active projects across six research domains: Quorum Sensing in algae, Kin Recognition in plants, Atacama Desert fungal studies, Biochar applications, Carnivorous Plants research, and regolith-based agriculture systems. Recent lab developments include installation of a cryo-SEM and expanded student cohorts working on projects like PEANUTS and TASR, with members presenting at ASPB and ASGSR conferences.

A. Peyton SmithView profile

Associate Professor

• Soil Science
• Biogeochemistry
• Climate Change Impacts
• +3 more

A. Peyton Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Their research focuses on soil carbon dynamics, particularly the interplay between physical, biological, and chemical processes in soil at micro and macro scales. They investigate how global change (climate and land use shifts) and extreme weather events affect soil microbiomes and nutrient cycling in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Key areas include soil aggregate structure, microbial ecology, and the impacts of drought/flooding on soil carbon stabilization. Educational Background: B.S. in Wildland Conservation, University of Washington (2004) M.S. in Environmental Science, Yale University (2008) Ph.D. in Soil Science, University of Wisconsin (2013) Research Interests: Dr. Smith's work bridges molecular-scale processes (e.g., microbial-mineral interactions) with landscape-level outcomes, emphasizing tropical ecosystems and agroecosystems. They utilize advanced techniques like aeroponic systems for root exudate analysis and non-destructive soil sampling. Current projects explore canopy soil carbon dynamics, PES plantation carbon sequestration, and the effects of leaf-cutter ants on soil properties. Their lab integrates biogeochemistry with hydrology to model carbon fluxes under climate change scenarios. Advising & Grants: Advises five graduate students: Harrison Coker, Jakob Denton, Daisy Gonzalez, Katherine Quinonez-Gonzalez, and Rachel Watters Recipient of grants from Texas A&M AgriLife Research Collaborates with Costa Rican institutions on tropical soil studies Labs & Teams: Leads the Soil Carbon Dynamics Lab, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, focusing on interdisciplinary soil science applications in agriculture and environmental management.

Stefano Cestellos BlancoView profile

Research Fellow

• Materials Science
• Bioengineering
• Neurobiology
• +5 more

Stefano Cestellos Blanco is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University working jointly in the Deisseroth Lab (neuroengineering) and Bao Lab (materials science), investigating chemical material properties' correlation with neurobiology in genetically targeted assemblies and advancing sustainable biomanufacturing technologies. Education: B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Stanford University (2016) Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, UC Berkeley (2022) with Peidong Yang His research spans Materials Science, Bioengineering, and Neurobiology with expertise in biocatalysis, protein delivery, and electrochemical CO2 conversion systems. Current work integrates genetically targeted assemblies with material science to develop neurobiological tools while pioneering space biomanufacturing solutions for Mars missions through minimal-processing PHB production and CO2 valorization. Publication analysis reveals dominant themes in sustainable energy conversion, particularly electrochemical-biological hybrid systems for CO2 reduction into sugars and multicarbon products, alongside diagnostic innovations for mRNA therapeutics and space-ready biomanufacturing frameworks emphasizing resource efficiency under uncertainty. Scientific Awards: None documented in source materials. Advising and Grants: No student advisement records or grant details provided. He operates at the critical interface of two premier Stanford research groups: the Deisseroth Lab advancing optogenetics and neural circuit mapping, and the Bao Lab pioneering skin-inspired electronics, enabling cross-disciplinary breakthroughs in neurotechnology and sustainable materials.

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Polymer Science
• Plant Phenotyping
• +4 more

Dr Harry Wright is a Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Sustainable Foods Institute. His work focuses on innovative applications of polyurethane foams, sustainable agriculture, and open-source technologies. Wright develops materials for soilless growing media and designs low-cost experimental systems like the FoamPi device for monitoring polymer reactions. His research bridges terrestrial and space agriculture, exploring how controlled environments can enhance crop sustainability. Key research interests include polymer formulation, plant phenotyping using open-source software, and optimizing materials for agricultural use. He has pioneered methods for recycling polyurethane foams into growing media and contributed to space analog crop cultivation studies through the SpaCEA initiative. Wright emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining material science with environmental and computational techniques. His publications span 2015–2025, addressing topics from PVC stabilization to space agriculture. While no academic awards are listed, his work highlights a commitment to open-source tools and sustainable innovation. No advising or grant details are provided in the text, but his affiliations suggest active collaboration with institutions like the Sustainable Foods Institute. Wright’s lab focuses on prototyping low-cost systems for agricultural research, including plant growth chambers and foam-based substrates. This work aims to advance both Earth-based and extraterrestrial crop production methods through material science and engineering solutions.

Davide GuzzettiView profile

Associate Professor

• Astrodynamics
• Space Mission Design
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Davide Guzzetti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University , where he combines expertise in astrodynamics with cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and immersive computing. Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University M.S. in Space Engineering, Politecnico di Milano & Torino B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Milano His research focuses on space mission design and astrodynamics , particularly in cislunar environments and highly elliptical orbits. He leads innovative projects applying machine learning to satellite systems, virtual reality to trajectory design, and origami-inspired engineering to spacecraft deployables. Recent publications reflect trends in orbital mechanics , autonomous space systems , and human-machine collaboration for space mission planning. His work spans technical analysis of self-folding polymers, game-theoretic approaches to satellite constellation competition, and immersive visualization tools for multi-body dynamics. NASA Early Career Faculty Award (2025) Ginn Faculty Achievement Fellow (2025) Guzzetti's research has secured multiple grants including a NASA EPSCoR award for studying microgravity effects on self-folding polymer sheets and a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) award for space-based self-assembling antenna arrays. He also contributes to educational innovations through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and elementary education outreach programs in spacecraft dynamics. His laboratory develops interactive solutions for astrodynamics applications, integrating immersive computing with intelligent systems to enhance space mission design processes. Current projects include studying resilience of deployable space structures and optimizing autonomous path-planning for asteroid proximity operations.

Som DuttaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• High Performance Computing
• Machine Learning for Fluid Dynamics
• +3 more

Som Dutta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Utah State University . His research focuses on high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling with applications to environmental flows, aerospace systems, and machine learning (ML) integration. Education: PhD in Civil Engineering (2017), MS in Civil Engineering (2012) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BS in Civil Engineering (2008) from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra. Research Interests: Som investigates turbulent multiphase flows, environmental fluid mechanics, and ML-based surrogate models for digital twins of energy and space systems. His work spans applications in river/coastal mechanics, hybrid rocket propulsion, and bioregenerative life support systems for lunar exploration. Awards: Recognized with the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year (2029, 2021), Bayfield Visiting Researcher award (2019), and prestigious fellowships including ATPESC (2017) and CSE Fellowship (2011). Teaching: Courses include Fluid Mechanics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Numerical Methods at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Publications: His recent work includes studies on lunar life support systems, droplet fragmentation physics, and Great Salt Lake hydrodynamics. He employs GPU-accelerated CFD and DNS/LES methods for multiscale flow analysis.

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Nitrogen Fixation
• +3 more

Lance Seefeldt serves as Professor and Department Head in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within Utah State University's College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on the biochemical mechanisms of nitrogenase enzymes, which catalyze biological nitrogen fixation essential for global nutrient cycles. His work spans biochemistry, enzymology, and bioinorganic chemistry with emphasis on nitrogenase kinetics, metallocluster dynamics, and evolutionary adaptation. Key research areas include ATP-dependent catalysis, substrate reduction pathways, and spectroscopic characterization of reaction intermediates using EPR, ENDOR, and voltammetric techniques. His group pioneers biohybrid systems combining nitrogenase with nanomaterials like CdS quantum dots for photochemical nitrogen fixation. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes: (1) Evolutionary reconstruction of ancient nitrogenases across geological time, (2) Mechanistic studies of ATP dependence and N 2 reduction intermediates, (3) Development of nanomaterial-enzyme biohybrids for sustainable ammonia production. These investigations bridge fundamental enzymology with applications in sustainable agriculture and space exploration life-support systems. As Department Head, Dr. Seefeldt maintains active research leadership while overseeing academic operations. His extensive publication record demonstrates sustained productivity in nitrogenase research, though specific student mentorship details and awards are not documented in the provided materials.

• Sustainable Agricultural Systems
• Industrial Algae Production
• Bioreactor Design
• +5 more

Joel L. Cuello is a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Director of the Global Initiative for Strategic Agriculture in Dry Lands (GISAD) at The University of Arizona. He also holds visiting professorships at Zhejiang University (China), De La Salle University (Philippines), and is a Faculty Fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from Penn State University (1994) with minors in Chemical Engineering and Plant Physiology. **Research Interests**: Dr. Cuello focuses on engineered systems for sustainable agriculture, including algal biofuel production, bioreactor design (e.g., patented Accordion photobioreactors), and vertical farming innovations like the Vertical Greenbox®. His work bridges engineering and biology to optimize resource efficiency and environmental protection in arid regions. Key themes include the Food-Water-Energy Nexus, bioregenerative space life support systems, and industrial-scale algal cultivation for nutraceuticals and biofuels. **Awards**: Highlights include the 2016 Severino and Paz Koh Lectureship Award, election to the National Academy of Science and Engineering (Philippines), and the 2015 Tech Launch Arizona Innovation Award. His contributions span 11 countries, emphasizing global partnerships in sustainable agriculture. **Teaching**: He teaches courses on sustainability, the Food-Water-Energy Nexus, and global agricultural innovation, reflecting his commitment to education and applied research.