The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) are proud to present the student research teams to be presenting at the 2012 SSEP National Conference at the Museum on July 2 and 3, 2012.

Student teams from three SSEP flight opportunities are represented—SSEP on STS-135, the final flight of the U.S. Space Shuttle program, and SSEP Missions 1 and 2 to ISS. A total of 13 teams will have both a powerpoint and poster presentation. About 150 students, teachers, and family members are currently scheduled to be in attedance. The conference space will also be accessible to the visiting public.

For more information about the Conference, and for videos showcasing the 2011 conference, visit the SSEP National Conference page.

For more information about the 40 communities participating in SSEP and the over 200 partner organizations that make SSEP possible, visit the SSEP Community Profiles and Local Partners page.

Also visit the Experiments Selected for Flight page, which provides an overview of all selected flight experiments, and honorable mention finalists for all 4 SSEP flight opportunities to date.

Listed below are the student teams presenting at the 2012 SSEP National Conference—

 

Oral 1. San Marino, California, Team 1

San Marino High School, San Marino Unified School District
Grade levels of Team: 10

Title: Effect of Microgravity on the Antibacterial Resistance of P. aeruginosa

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 1 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Martin Liu
Co-Investigators: Kristie Liu, Ryan Puri, and William Tam
Teacher Facilitator: Jo Carmona

Abstract: By growing two bacterial cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we investigate the effects of microgravity on the antibacterial resistance of bacteria. With help from Oaks Crest Institute in Pasadena, CA, we believe that microgravity will play a difference in the resistance to common antibiotics. Based on past studies, a higher resistance is expected.

 

Oral 2. Presidio, Texas, Team 1

Presidio High School, Presidio Independent School District
Grade levels of Team: 12

Title: The Effect of Microgravity on the Growth and pH of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 2 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Illiana Fernandez and Alvaro Ali Romero
Co-Investigator: Rafael Sanchez
Teacher Facilitator: Melody Crowder

Abstract: Presidio High School students are investigating how microgravity affects the growth rate of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Our hypothesis is that microgravity will affect the division and pH of L. acidophilus and the growth rate of the bacteria will slow down. Results will determine need for issuance of probiotics and fermented dairy products in order for astronauts to maintain a healthy digestive system.

 

Oral 3. Ida County, Iowa, Team 1

Ridge View High School
Grade levels of Team: 9 – 12

Title: How does Microgravity affect the maximum cell size of Tardigrades?

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-135

Co-Principal Investigators: Dana Hustedt and Gretchen Kistenmacher
Co-Investigators: Isaac Jepsen, Taylor Radke, Austin Hayden, Michael Perrett, and Jacob Biddle
Teacher Facilitators: Patty Wheeler and Art Witten

Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to see how microgravity would affect the cell size of tardigrades, commonly referred to as “water bears”. We will do this by sending up a group of tardigrades and sufficient food supply for them to feast upon. We hope to detect any significant growth difference between the microgravity specimens and earth bound specimens. Any cell size difference would support the idea of microgravity having some effect on the cells.

 

Oral 4. West Hills, California

Chaminade College Preparatory
Grade levels of Team: 9 and 10

Title: Microgravity Wine

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 1 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Max Holden and Paige D’Andrea
Teacher Facilitator: Nancy McIntyre

Abstract: The student investigators from the Chaminade College Preparatory and the Medtronic Foundation studied the effects of microgravity on the rate of Carbon Dioxide production during alcoholic fermentation of grape juice. The student team prepared samples that would run concurrently on the International Space Station and in our lab in West Hills, California. The team believes that the grape juice in microgravity will ferment faster producing more carbon dioxide.

 

Oral 5. Charles County, Maryland

Henry E. Lackey High School, Charles County Public Schools
Grade level of Team: 11

Title: Physiological effects of microgravity and increased levels of Radiation on wild type and genetically engineered Caenorhabditis elegans

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 1 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Paul Warren
Teacher Facilitators: Lara North and Romulo Gabriel

Abstract: I am heading a team comprised of scientists from the National Institutes of Health, the University of Nottingham, JAXA, and Tohoku University to investigate the effects of microgravity and increased levels of radiation on a daf-mutated strain of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The mutation extends lifespan up to one hundred per cent on Earth. We will look at lifespan, reproductive strength, muscle defects, genomics, and proteomics for data analysis.

 

Oral 6. Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District
Grade level: 11

Title: The Growth Rate of Lactobacillus acidophilus in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-135

Co-principal Investigators: Victoria Holbert, Leighton Noel, Kayla Nolette, and Miguel Velez
Teacher Facilitator: Paula.deDiego

Abstract: Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria is one of the main causes of tooth decay. The bacteria combine with proteins in the oral cavity to form plaque. The bacteria excrete lactic acid which dissolve the calcium and enamel on the teeth in the mouth. This process results in tooth decay.

We tested the growth rate of Lactobacillus acidophilus and determined whether they have an accelerated reproduction rate in microgravity. Analysis implies the growth rate is faster in microgravity.

 

Oral 7. Presidio, Texas, Team 2

Lucy Rede Franco Middle School, Presidio Independent School District
Grade levels of Team: 7

Title: Chemical Analysis of the Effect of Gravity on Capsicum chinense ‘Habanero’

Type of Experiment: Honorable Mention Finalist, Mission 2 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Lisa Marie Pena
Co-Investigators: Juan Nieto and Vanessa Rohanna
Collaborators: Alma Baeza and Maxwell Ferguson
Teacher Facilitator: Ernesto Monte

Abstract: When it comes to living in space, taste has become a unifying element that transcends cultures and boundaries. Studies also show that chili can provide a variety of medicinal or health benefits that range from relieving pain to fighting cancer. In this experiment, we will conduct a chemical analysis of Capsicum chinense ‘Habanero’ after its exposure to two different gravitational conditions. The goal is to quantify the effect of microgravity on its chemical content.

 

Oral 8. San Marino, California, Team 2

San Marino High School, San Marino Unified School District
Grade levels of Team: 10

Title: Fibroblast Division in Microgravity

Type of Experiment: Honorable Mention Finalist, Mission 1 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Jennifer Jiang, Jasmine Kuo, and Kara Lukas
Co-Investigator: Natasha Garamani
Collaborator: Elyssia Widjaja
Teacher Facilitator: Wyeth Collo

Abstract: The purpose of our experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on cell division and to compare the rates of cell division in the absence and presence of gravity. We have chosen fibroblasts for this experiment. The cells will be exposed to microgravity as they proliferate; simultaneously, an identical experiment will be held to serve as a control. After the experiment’s completion, we will compare the results with those of the control experiment.

 

Oral 9. Ida County, Iowa, Team 2

OA-BCIG High School, Odebolt Arthur – Battle Creek Ida Grove Community School District
Grade levels of Team: 9-12

Title: Killifish in Space

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 1 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Jessica Gunderson
Co-Investigators: Brittanie Rigby, Austin Sadler, and Justin Sadler
Teacher Facilitator: Carol Sadler

Abstract: Our team sent dormant Killifish eggs on the SpaceX Dragon. After settling on the ISS, these eggs will be rehydrated. When results are in, we will be able to tell if the bone and muscle mass of the fish had been affected, being micro-gravity’s pulling force is no where comparable to Earth’s gravity. Another part of this testing, since these fish have kidneys, would be able to tell if, even for such a small species, these animals have kidney stones. This testing will help with the health of humans.

 

Oral 10. El Paso, Texas

El Paso Community College Transmountain Campus (EPCC)
Grade levels of Team: College Sophomore

Title: The Effect of Microgravity on the Use of Cactus Mucilage for Water Purification

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 1 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Naiqui Armendariz and Jesus Castor
Collaborators: Dr. Maria Arteaga, Professor of Chemistry, El Paso Community College, Transmountain Campus; Dr. Bencomo-Álvarez Alfonso Enrique, Laboratory technician of molecular-microbiology diagnostics, Centro de investigación biomédica de occidente, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México; Dr. Norma A. Alcantar, Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Gertrud Konings-Dudin, Assistant Professor of Biology, El Paso Community College, Transmountain Campus

Abstract: Opuntia mucilage has been shown to effectively remove chromium and other metals from contaminated water, which makes it useful as a natural flocculating agent. The flocculation process is caused by interaction of the positive metal ions with the anionic polyelectrolyte, the mucilage. Since charged particles easily agglomerate in microgravity, we expect the purification process to work in space. After removal of the mucilage, the chromium content of the remaining solution is measured with a spectrophotometer.

 

Oral 11. San Marino, California, Team 3

San Marino High School, San Marino Unified School District
Grade levels of Team: 9

Title: The Effects of Space Conditions on the Growth and Catabolic Actions of the Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus

Type of Experiment: Honorable Mention Finalist, Mission 1 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Mark Liang
Co-Investigators: Lauren Thai, Sara Wong, Mitchell Hee, Nick Truong, and Elizabeth O’Neill
Teacher Facilitator: Wyeth Collo

Abstract: Students investigated the process of growth in Oyster Mushroom, and uses in microgravity. Studies were conducted to observe mycelium growth on agar plates, placed under the variables found in space (lack of gas exchange, low temperature, etc). Cultures were also placed in rye grain containers to test catabolic action of fungi on organic material, and fruiting discrepancies because of space conditions. Practical use was observed in the fungi’s ability to compete with mold and bacteria.

 

Oral 12. Lake County, Indiana

Avicenna Academy of Avicenna Academy Science Community Collaboration
Grade levels of team: 5-7

Title: Effect of Microgravity on Reproduction of Curli Producing E. coli O157:H7 438950R

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 1 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Amalia Arceo-Hosken
Collaborators: Jenna Rifai, Ameer Rifai, and Rehan Uribe
Teacher Facilitator: Nicole Gustafson

Abstract: A student team from Avicenna Academy studied the curli-producing capability of E. coli O157:H7 438950R. They designed an experiment to be carried out on the International Space Station that will determine the effect of microgravity on the little hair-like extensions on the outside of the bacteria. These curli are not manifested in each generation, but serve to aid in the bacteria’s ability to produce biofilm which increase the pathogenicity of the organism.

 

Oral 13. Bridgewater-Raritan, New Jersey

Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District
Grade levels of Team: 11-12

Title: Effect of Microgravity on Osteoblast Specialization and Bone Growth

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, SSEP on STS-135

Co-Principal Investigators: 
Joseph Avenoso, Adam Elwood, and Alex Belly
Co-Investigators: Rotem Herzberg, Gage Cane-Wissing, and Tejas Patel
Collaborators: Dr. Chris Fritton, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Jorge L. Valdes

Abstract: Bridgewater-Raritan School District students investigated a possible solution to bone loss in space. The experiment consists of using human growth hormone to help grow mouse osteoblasts in DMEM, a type of agar solution. Students collaborated with scientists from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ and found that upon return to earth several bone cells could be resuscitated with oxygen and fresh nutrients. These results are consistent with previous experiments conducted by NASA.

 

SSEP is undertaken by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in partnership with NanoRacks LLC. This on-orbit research opportunity is enabled through NanoRacks LLC, which is working in partnership with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory.