The University of Michigan Space Institute, an organization that serves as the hub of all space-related research at the University of Michigan, participated at ResearchPalooza in September on the University of Michigan Medical School campus.
Over 1,000 attendees visited tables from 69 offices and labs who support advancements in biomedical and interdisciplinary research across the university. During the event, experts from the U-M Space Institute raised awareness of existing opportunities for students, faculty, and university partners to engage in space medicine research and education.
Using communications, engagement and research, the University of Michigan encourages students, academics, clinicians, and the public to explore the benefits and challenges of space medicine and interplanetary health for astronauts. There are many opportunities to get involved and advance the future of this work, including participating in student organizations like CLAWS (Collaborative Lab For Advancing Work in Space), SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space), or BLISS (Bioastronautics and Life Support Systems), enrolling in elective courses and new academic programs, partnering with the Space Physics Research Laboratory and other U-M units, or joining the Space Medicine Working Group.
As new health-related questions emerge for human space travel, U-M Space Medicine seeks to overcome these challenges through inter-departmental research, innovative application, and collaborative engagement.
ResearchPalooza provided an excellent platform to engage with faculty, staff, students, and the broader university community about the unique challenges of healthcare solutions for astronauts in spaceflight environments. Attendees were particularly interested in U-M’s involvement in spaceflight research, the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and the critical collaborations that drive advancements in human spaceflight.
The U-M Space Institute also took home this year’s Customer Service Award at ResearchPalooza. “Secret shoppers” wandered the event, evaluating the tables based on research knowledge and the friendliness of the staff. This was the first time exhibiting at ResearchPalooza for the Space Institute, and the secret shoppers noted they were very engaging, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoying themselves and their conversations with research customers. Special thanks goes to Michael Paschke, Chris Ruf, Melissa Priebe, Melissa Hang, Tommy Wyniemko, Matthew Hart, and Jakob Swilley for their contributions at the event.
Looking ahead, the U-M Space Institute will introduce new programs and partnerships for advancing space research and education, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this pioneering field. New educational programs are also currently under development to provide more opportunities to study bioastronautics and space medicine at the University of Michigan.
Anyone interested in enrolling in space medicine programs at the undergraduate or graduate level is encouraged to share their specific interests and add their name to our roster. Interested parties are always welcome to connect with the U-M Space Institute. For more information, visit space.umich.edu/spacemedicine.