Faculty Advisor: Resident Physician, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic; MD, Baylor College of Medicine

Program Start Time: TBD (meetings will take place for around one hour per week)

Research Practicum Introduction

Have you ever wondered how astronauts stay healthy and fit while floating weightlessly in space? Do you wonder how much an astronaut sleeps each day, and how they sleep? Are you curious about the medical challenges they face in zero gravity? Do you want to learn how NASA is preparing for challenges in its return to the moon and onward to Mars?

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and medical considerations involved in providing healthcare during space missions. With the increasing interest in long-duration space travel and the establishment of habitats on other celestial bodies, it is crucial to equip future healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage emergencies in zero gravity environments effectively. This program will explore the potential medical issues that may arise during extended space missions and how to address them using innovative and practical medical techniques.

Get ready to explore the fascinating intersection of healthcare and space exploration as we delve into the physiological effects of zero gravity on the human body. Discover the secrets behind managing medical emergencies in the unforgiving environment of outer space. From cardiovascular health to musculoskeletal concerns to understanding how we may need to operate in zero-gravity, we will uncover the unique medical considerations that space travelers must confront.

Students will prepare and present their projects in a group conference with experts in space medicine in attendance providing feedback and questions, similar to NASA / Johnson Space Center type format. Each student will also complete their individual research paper.

Standards of Assessment

To excel, students must commit to the weekly schedule, submit deliverables on time. If missing the deadline, students should request prior permission for extension. Students should also attend the weekly meeting. Due to the short term, if any difficulties pause the work, the students must immediately reach out to the advisor to come up with quick solutions, facilitate the work and eliminate obstacles.

Possible Topics For Final Project

• Zero-Gravity Physiology Analysis: Students will research and present a comprehensive analysis of the physiological effects of zero gravity on the human body. They will discuss the challenges these effects pose for medical management during emergencies in space.

• Medical Emergency Simulation: In small groups, students will conduct simulated medical emergencies in a zero-gravity environment. They will apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and develop appropriate medical responses.

• Space Mission Medical Kit Design: Students will design and propose a medical kit tailored for long-term space missions. The kit should include essential medical supplies and equipment to manage emergencies effectively.

• Medical Response Protocol Development: Working in teams, students will develop medical response protocols for specific emergencies in zero gravity.

• Research Paper on Space Medicine Advancements: Each student will research and write an individual research paper on a specific topic related to space medicine advancements. Topics may include regenerative medicine, telemedicine in space, or space pharmacology.

• Emergency Preparedness Plan for a Mars Mission: Students will work as a group to create a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan for a hypothetical Mars mission. The plan should address various medical contingencies that may arise during the journey and while on the Martian surface.

• Or other topics in this subject area that you are interested in, and that your professor approves after discussing it with you.

Program Detail

• Cohort Size: 3-5 students

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Workload: Around 4-5 hours per week (including class time and homework time)

• Target Students: 9-12th grade students who are interested in Space Medicine, Zero-Gravity Physiology, Medical Emergency Management and other related fields.