HUMAN HEALTH RISKS IN SPACE FLIGHT FOCUS
OF RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
Two UH Students Score Spots in National Space Biomedical
Research Institute Program
HOUSTON, Aug. 3, 2004 – Two of only 13 candidates accepted
from a pool of international applicants, University of Houston doctoral
students Andrew Abercromby and F. Jay Haran are working with scientists
in the Neurosciences Laboratory at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC)
and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI).
Abercromby, a second-year doctoral student of kinesiology, plans
to work in human space flight-related research and development.
This is the second work experience for Abercromby through NSBRI.
Haran, a first-year doctoral student in kinesiology, is capitalizing
on this internship to study stride-interval variability and analyze
data collected from the astronauts, before and after they return
from missions on the International Space Station. Haran’s
research seeks to counter the ill effects of a gravity-free environment
on an astronaut’s ability to walk and maintain balance upon
return to Earth, as well as one day provide a better understanding
of balance disorders that impact the way people walk and move, such
as Parkinson’s disease.
Abercromby received his bachelor’s degree in engineering and
a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University
of Edinburgh. He graduated from Buckhaven High School in Fife.
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.
Both Abercromby and Haran are part of the UH College of Education’s
Department of Health and Human Performance.
The NSBRI offers internships to a small number of undergraduate,
graduate and medical students who are interested in life sciences.
The 10-to-12 week program gives students the opportunity to join
ongoing projects with scientists at JSC.
“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 Dr. Jeffrey Sutton, NSBRI
director. “The program allows us to engage and inspire the
next generation of scientists.”
The NSBRI, funded by NASA, is a consortium of institutions studying
the health risks related to long-duration space flight. The Institute’s
research and education projects take place at more than 70 institutions
across the United States. NSBRI research projects address space
health concerns such as bone loss, muscle weakening, cardiovascular
changes, sleep disturbances, immunology and infection, balance and
orientation, radiation exposure, neurobehavioral and psychosocial
issues, and nutrition, physical fitness and rehabilitation. The
Institute is also working to develop remote medical technologies
and research devices.
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research
and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers
and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate,
civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university
in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and
service with more than 35,000 students.
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