NASA
Academy Research Project:
Hypergravity Effects On Body Mass Reduction
Between Gender, Species, Strain and Age Principal Investigator:
Dr. Charles Wade.
At NASA’s Ames Research Center I was given the great opportunity
to participate in research involving space life science. Under
direction of Dr. Charlie Wade, I conducted an analysis of body
weight and its manipulation in hypergravity. The title of my poster
presented on student day was “Hypergravity Effects on Body Mass
Reduction Between Gender, Species, Strain and Age.” From this
study we were able to see different effects of 2G (hypergravity)
between female and male rats and mice. Not only were there differences
between species of animals, but also between strains of rats.
This research also provided insight to age differences as well.
Knowing these significant alterations comparatively lends itself
to better research practices in the future in other hypergravity
experiments or aboard the ISS. Knowing more about the animal being
tested can and will provide better understanding of these effects
which we can then relate to human physiology.
Overall,
I have had an amazing experience at Ames. I was immersed in a
teaching environment that has helped me not only be apart of incredible
research, but has more importantly helped me focus towards a PhD
program. I want to thank all those at the Maryland Space Grant
Consortium for making this dream of working at Ames a reality.
Now I feel that I have taken a step in the right direction, and
because of this experience I am so motivated to continue this
work. Thank you again!
Academic
Experience
· International Space University, Strasburg,
France Summer 2002
Published Design Project: Astrobiology Sourcebook:
“Chapter 5-Planetary Protection.” Click
Here
Department of Space Life Science Research “Effect of Changes in
the Gravitational Force Direction on Geometric Visual Illusions.”
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gilles Clement
· University of California, Davis B.S. Neurobiology,
Minor: Animal Biology
Work
Experience
· NASA Ames Research Center
– Moffett Field July 2003- Current
Division of Life Science – Research Assistant
· Los Gatos Athletic Club – Swim Instructor
May 2003- Current
· Stanford University – Stanford, CA Fall 2001-
Fall 2002
Division of Pediatric Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation – Clinical
Researcher
· Colorado State University – Ft. Collins,
CO Summer 1998
Veterinary Teaching Hospital – Research Assistant Mammary Cancer
Study
Volunteer
Experience
· University of California, Los Angeles January
2001 - June 2001
Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery - Research Assistant, Endoprosthetic
Replacements
· University of California, Davis Fall 1998-
June 2001
School of Veterinary Medicine – Research Assistant to Dr. Edward
Schlegel,
Experiments focused on respiratory mechanics in relation to disease
states.
· University of California, Davis Fall 1998
- June 2001
Biology/Organic Chemistry/Neurobiology Tutor
· Sutter Memorial Hospital, Sacramento, CA
Fall 2000 - Fall 2001
Assist with patient care in Medical/Surgical and Oncology areas.
· National Center of Equine-Facilitated Therapy,
Woodside, CA Winter 1997-Fall 1998
Therapy Assistant
Computer
Skills
Statview, Proficient at Windows and Macintosh Operating
Systems (OS 9 & 10), Microsoft Office Suite, Norton and McAfee
Utilities, Meditech, Eudora, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, literature
searches, Internet savvy.
Organizations
· Member of UT-Arlington’s first ever NASA
Reduced Gravity Student Flight Team.
· Member of UT-Arlington’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team.
· Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
· Participated in Texas Christian University’s Air Force
ROTC program.
Honors
· Phi Sigma Honor Society
· Alpha Zeta Honor Society
· Army ROTC Cadet of the Year
· Academic Honors/Dean’s List Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
and Senior Years
Activities
· National Space Society
· International Space University Alumni
· Semi-pro Beach Volleyball player, California CBVA circuit
· Competitive Triathalete
· SCUBA Certified
· Swing Dancing, East and West Coast, Lindy Hop
Hobbies
& Interests
Swimming, piano player, guitar, cooking, gardening,
snowboarding, equine show jumping and western barrel competitive
racing.
