NASA Nebraska Space Grant
Faculty 2025-2026
The NASA Nebraska Space Grant is excited to highlight our innovative faculty research projects this year. The profiles below highlight the excellent research and aerospace workforce development activities being undertaken in Nebraska this year. For 2024-2025 profiles, click here.
Heading 1
Jae Sung Park
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Aerospace Club consists of undergraduate students from a variety of majors and backgrounds who compete at various NASA, AIAA, and other aerospace competitions. The Club helps NASA with the mission of developing space technologies for operations on other planets and with the mission of developing aeronautical innovations. Through different projects and outreach opportunities, the Club will provide students with experiences that are important for NASA internships, co-ops, and employment.
Derrick Nero
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Science Experimentation & Engineering Design (SEED) is a general education science course that introduces integrative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts and their applications. The course fosters 21st Century Learning through study and work in active, team-based experiential learning environments through all phases of near-space experiments using high-altitude balloon platforms. Near-space experiments (NSEs) require research question development, experiment hardware fabrication, experiment software integration, payload launch and recovery, data analysis, and formal experiments' results reporting. Applicable technology advances allow for researchers to conduct, collect, and store time-sensitive results at the moment of NSEs' retrieval. SEED Modernization will ensure results are collected and stored in the field eliminating data degradation or loss.
Carl Nelson
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Micro-g NExT team participates in NASA’s Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams program, where undergraduate students design, build, and test hardware to address real challenges in human space exploration. The team is developing a tool to support future Artemis lunar missions, using the full engineering design process from concept through prototype fabrication. The project culminates in testing at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, providing hands-on engineering experience while contributing to active NASA missions.
Maeghan Murie-Mazariegos
Nebraska Indian Community College
The NICC Solar Challenge is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary student competition designed to advance NASA's goals of inspiring the next generation of explorers and developing sustainable technologies. This project centers on the design, construction, and deployment of Solar Kat—a solar-powered catamaran vessel engineered by student teams using low-voltage solar and battery systems. Integrating principles of renewable energy, marine engineering, and collaborative problem-solving, the competition challenges students to develop functional vessel components, assemble a seaworthy craft, and test it under real-world conditions. Aligned with NASA's focus on Earth science, energy innovation, and workforce development, the project emphasizes teamwork, technical proficiency, and STEM engagement among Native students. Student teams will gain practical experience with solar technologies, hydrostatics, and fabrication techniques, culminating in a potential appearance at the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society's annual Solar Boat Regatta. This competitive platform encourages innovation, fosters confidence in sustainable design, and builds pathways for students into science, engineering, and aerospace-related careers. The NICC Solar Challenge not only empowers learners through project-based education but also reflects NASA’s commitment to inclusive excellence and sustainable futures on Earth and beyond.
William Loring
Western Nebraska Community College
What if we could simulate a trip to another planet using off the shelf robotics and IoT kits that can be purchased almost anywhere in the world? All businesses, including NASA, are looking at ways to cut costs, while still delivering the best training experience.The WNCC Computer Science program integrates computational thinking, Agile Development, Github, robotics, algorhythmic problem solving, and other current software engineering techniques to prepare students for professional software engineering positions. Tyr, an open source Mars Rover, is a team project with Engineering, Math, Science and Information Technology students. This project gives the students experience in design, project management, electronic assembly, programming, 3D printing and problem solving.
Theodore Johnson
University of Nebraska at Omaha
"Code, Fly, Succeed" aims to create a workforce development program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., low-income) that is relevant to NASA and/or aerospace careers. The program is open to all students and will provide participants with foundational knowledge and technical skills using drones to create viable pathways into STEM careers. It targets students within Omaha and offers meaningful exposure to aerospace content that aligns with NASA's educational priorities. In addition to technical training, the program will develop critical soft skills students need to succeed in the workforce. Hands-on, real-world applications will support student learning while fostering readiness for careers within NASA, the aerospace sector, and related industries. Program outcomes include the development of skills in drone operation, problem-solving, career exploration, and basic programming—particularly in Python. Student volunteers from UNO will be recruited through targeted outreach to STEM-related departments and student organizations. Recruitment will prioritize individuals interested in aerospace, education, public service, and community engagement. These volunteers and participants will benefit from mentorship opportunities, STEM education experience, and the development of leadership, communication, and project management skills that enhance academic and professional growth.
MD EZAZUL HAQUE
Nebraska Indian Community College
"Empowering Remote STEM Learning in the Life Sciences" expands access to hands-on laboratory science through the development of distance-learning lab kits for students at Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC). Designed for use in Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Toxicology courses, the kits support students across multiple campuses and online—many of whom are rural, Indigenous, or commuter learners with limited access to traditional lab facilities.
The kits integrate NASA-relevant themes, including microbial survival in extreme environments, human physiological responses to altered gravity, toxicant exposure and health risks, and chemical analysis connected to space exploration. By enabling safe, at-home experimentation, the project promotes equity in STEM education while strengthening practical laboratory skills.
This initiative aligns with NASA’s goal of building a diverse aerospace workforce by engaging underrepresented students in authentic, research-based learning. Student outcomes are evaluated through performance measures, surveys, and feedback, with an emphasis on confidence building, skill development, and preparation for advanced STEM pathways.
Martha Durr
Nebraska Indian Community College
"Strengthening STEM Engagement at NICC" focuses on expanding and strengthening STEM engagement opportunities for students at Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC) through hands-on experiences in environmental monitoring, data analysis, and Earth observation science. The initiative emphasizes student participation in real-world scientific programs and the development of practical skills aligned with workforce pathways in environmental and Earth system sciences.
The project builds on NICC’s ongoing partnerships with organizations such as the NOAA National Weather Service, tribal environmental departments, the NOAA Climate Program Office, and the Platte Basin Timelapse Program. These collaborations provide a strong foundation for student involvement in data collection, assessment, and scientific communication. The project further seeks to establish partnerships with NASA scientists, particularly in the area of Earth observations.
A key component of the project is student exposure to in situ measurements and remotely sensed imagery, introducing learners to NASA-relevant data, tools, and research methods. Through these experiences, students gain insight into NASA science programming while strengthening analytical skills, environmental literacy, and interest in STEM careers. This project supports the development of a diverse and inclusive STEM pipeline by engaging Indigenous students in authentic, place-based scientific research.
Shane Farritor
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
The JPL Mentored Crop Robot Senior Design Project focuses on the design and evaluation of a robotic system for crop inspection, tending, and harvesting in small-scale space agriculture environments. Mentored by an engineer from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the project investigates how compact, high-precision robotic mechanisms—inspired by miniature surgical robotics—can assist with routine plant care tasks in constrained and microgravity-analog conditions.
The design effort is informed by ongoing NASA plant growth research conducted aboard the International Space Station, where astronauts currently perform manual crop monitoring, maintenance, and harvesting. As future missions to the Moon, Mars, and deep space move toward longer durations, reducing crew workload and increasing system autonomy will be critical to sustaining reliable food production.
This project explores robotic solutions that could support these future missions by improving efficiency, consistency, and scalability of space-based crop systems. Through iterative engineering design, prototyping, and testing, the project contributes to the development of technologies that advance sustainable life-support systems for human space exploration.
Kendra Sibbernsen
Metropolitan Community College
The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) is a competition to design experiments to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS). The SSEP directly supports the study of space science, engineering, problem-solving, and logistical support for students. The Metropolitan Community College (MCC) community participated in this competition and the winning proposal will be tested and sent aboard a SpaceX vehicle to the ISS this summer (estimated June 2026). The experiment chosen will examine neutron radiation in the microgravity environment near solar maximum. The payloads will be filled with a polymerized gel that produces a bubble when a neutron passes through the material. This will give the team a visual determination of neutron levels. A control experiment will be kept at the college for comparison when the payload returns from space. In addition to the testing for the SSEP proposal, we will also upgrade our equipment for high altitude balloon testing as a precursor to space and satellite experiment deployment.
Andrew Ekpenyong
Creighton University
Microphysiological Systems (MPS) use human cells and tissues in 2D and 3D to develop organoids on small devices called tissue chips. These tissue chips are then used to study how cells respond to conditions such as ionizing radiation and microgravity in outer space, to study drugs under development, etc. The importance of MPS for space exploration (mission support) and human health on earth, is obvious. No wonder NASA, NIH and the FDA teamed up to sponsor the development of various MPS and conduct experiments on the ISS. Several of these experiments are ongoing on the ISS, for instance under the collaborative federal funding program: "Tissue Chips in Space 2.0". Here, we turn a challenge into an opportunity by using one of the effects of microgravity, to develop 3D tissue spheroids for MPS useful cancer prognostics and therapeutics. Yes, microgravity promotes 3D tissue spheroid-formation. We recently completed our NASA Nebraska Space Grant-funded project "Using Simulated Microgravity for Cancer Tissue Engineering". We now propose adding several components of the tissue microenvironment to the spheroids generated via microgravity in view of cancer drug testing and personalize patient prognosis, which aligns with NASA's goal of “science in space to cure disease on Earth”.
Martha Durr
Nebraska Indian Community College
The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment project continues the ongoing work in environmental monitoring at NICC, specifically air and soil characterization and hazard assessment. Observations of the environment at a local scale are paramount to risk reduction and increased capacity to mitigate impacts from weather related hazards. The NICC communities are located in data sparse regions, therefore operation and maintenance of systematic in situ observations are paramount. Furthermore, these data can be assessed with existing earth observation programs at NASA and elsewhere. This project aims to maintain environmental observation, summarization and dissemination efforts and lay the groundwork for climate resilience plans.
Devahdhanush V. S.
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Predicting thermal and interfacial characteristics of microgravity flow boiling on the International Space Station
Future space missions, including NASA's planned missions to the Moon and Mars, require major advancements in high-heat-flux thermal management of electronics and propulsion systems. Two-phase flows with liquid–vapor phase change, more specifically flow boiling in channels, is a prime contender for these applications. The thermal performance is known to dramatically vary across different gravitational environments due to varying body forces acting on large liquid–vapor density differences. To study this, the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE) generated a comprehensive database of microgravity flow boiling onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Leveraging terabytes of high-speed video and thermal data, this project aims to apply computer vision and machine learning techniques to further analyze and quantify interfacial features. Coupling these metrics with heat transfer measurements will help develop more accurate predictive tools with fewer assumptions, extended ranges of prediction, and pave the way for digital twins of two-phase thermal systems across any gravity level.
Rahul Ambittankulambu Rajan
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
In-Tube Femtosecond Laser Surface Structuring for Efficient Cryogenic Fluid Transfer
Efficient cryogenic fluid transfer is crucial for NASA's future long-duration missions requiring in-orbit refueling. Large temperature differences between warm transfer lines and cryogenic propellants, like liquid hydrogen and oxygen, lead to excessive boil-off, pressure spikes, and propellant losses. These transfer lines must be rapidly chilled to cryogenic temperatures to minimize vaporization and thermal stress. Current methods that modify the inner surface of transfer lines with Teflon coatings, micro-fins, axial-grooves with silicone sealant, and wire inserts can reduce propellant vaporization and improve safety. However, these methods are limited, achieving under 75% mass savings in microgravity, lacking scalability, and may degrade under thermal cycling. This project aims to design and build a dedicated femtosecond laser processing system capable of fabricating permanent micro- and nano-scale structures on the inner walls of one-inch diameter tubes, offering a potentially superior solution. Combining femtosecond laser surface processing with wire/coil inserts creates a novel solution that enhances capillary wetting and improves thermal contact between the fluid and tube wall. This enables faster chill down and reduces boil-off, achieving an estimated 65-85% propellant savings compared to unmodified transfer lines. Establishing this laser processing capability will enable critical experiments and guide the design of next-generation low-loss cryogenic transfer systems.
Carl Nelson
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Lunar dust mitigation
This project focuses on developing and experimentally validating a novel solution to protect an existing lunar docking system from lunar regolith. The development of dust-tolerant space mechanisms for the moon is critical to NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable lunar ecosystem for extended human presence. Lunar regolith, a fine, abrasive, and reactive particulate, poses significant challenges to mechanical systems, yet current docking systems for crew and resource transfer lack robust regolith tolerant designs, risking seal failures and kinematic issues. Smaller-scale docking interface designs on robots and rovers also tend to neglect dust tolerance, increasing the likelihood of off-nominal performance causing mission failure By addressing these challenges through an innovative, scalable dust protection solution, this project supports NASA's goals of ensuring reliable, long-term lunar operations, enabling safe crew mobility, and fostering sustainable exploration infrastructure.
Asaf Dana
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Self-Assembly of Entangled Solids toward non-invasive biomedical implants for remote environments
Materials that exhibit the unique dynamic properties of living aggregates may provide innovation in medical devices in remote environments such as military bases and space stations. This concept draws inspiration from the interactions between active individuals in animal collectives such as fire ants and worms, which lead to emergent responses that remain elusive in synthetic soft matter. Recently, shape-morphing polymers were demonstrated to create bio-inspired transient solids that self-assemble with controlled mechanical properties and disassemble on demand. Dilute-suspensions of magnetic, heat-responsive shape-changing polymer particles mechanically interlock, inducing reversible aggregation. This project will leverage the manipulation of magnetic fields and surface properties of individual ribbons to develop strategies to drive structure and function in such task-capable soft robotic collective assemblies. These will lay the groundwork for the design of self-assembling injectable biomedical devices. The ability to assemble on command into a stable solid structure and to exert mechanical action on the resulting structure holds promise to replace the need to surgically approach low-accessibility places inside the human body. Such technologies are valuable for supporting well-being for prolonged missions and enabling life in space, such as on the International Space Station and the planned Artemis Base Camp.
Hongzhi Guo
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Generative AI Assisted Low-bandwidth Low-latency Deep Space Video Communication
Videos capturing space phenomena are invaluable for both scientific research and public outreach. Recently, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool to train astronauts and offer immersive experiences to broader audiences. However, deep space communications face extreme latency and limited bandwidth, making real-time video streaming infeasible. Even transmitting a single image can take several minutes, let alone streaming video at multiple frames per second. Traditional wireless communication relies on bit-by-bit transmission to preserve high fidelity, but this approach is not optimal over deep space links. With the rapid advancement of generative AI, new communication paradigms are now possible. This project explores the use of generative AI for deep space video streaming. By transmitting a single image along with its associated topological and contextual metadata, the ground receiver can generate intermediate video frames locally. Each newly received frame triggers a fresh sequence of generative updates which can enable smooth transitions and continuous playback. The proposed technology supports both real-time streaming and offline viewing, even with sparse imagery. Ultimately, this research can be integrated with VR systems to deliver immersive, high-quality space experiences for astronauts and the public audiences.
Ufuk Kilic
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Chiral single-photon sources from plasmonic hybrid nano-helices and defect engineered hBN defects for space-compatible quantum technologies
This project explores the development of quantum light sources that emit single photons with controlled chirality—i.e., spin–angular momentum—for secure, energy-efficient optical communication. Using defect-engineered hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) integrated with chiral plasmonic nanostructures, we aim to generate circularly polarized single photons enhanced by strong light–matter interaction at the nanoscale. Unlike traditional cryogenic quantum emitters, our hybrid platform operates at room temperature, making it ideal for scalable deployment.Embedding single photons with intrinsic polarization or "spin" enables secure information encoding without bulky optics or high power—offering a compact solution for quantum encryption systems in space-based and terrestrial communication networks.The proposed system aligns with NASA's Science and Space Technology Mission Directorates by contributing to advances in quantum communication, deep-space networking, and secure ground-to-space links. The work also supports Nebraska's science and technology priorities by advancing quantum nanotechnology, enhancing secure digital infrastructure, and training a skilled workforce in quantum optics and nanofabrication.A combination of nanofabrication, material characterization, and computational modeling will be used to prototype the system. This project marks a critical step toward scalable, low-power quantum photonic components for future NASA missions and satellite-based quantum communication networks.
MD EZAZUL HAQUE
Nebraska Indian Community College
Inspiring Future Scientists: Molecular Training for Water Quality and Extremophile Detection Aligned with NASA's Mars Exploration
Building on our awarded NASA AIHEC project at Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC), we seek supplemental funding to expand the use of molecular biology equipment for hands-on student training. This extension will integrate advanced techniques—DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and water pollutant testing—into different courseworks and student-led field studies across Nebraska tribal lands. Students will collect and analyze water samples from areas near agricultural, industrial, and reservation sites to identify extremophiles and environmental pollutants and contaminants like microorganisms, heavy metals, and microplastics, chlorine, etc. These organisms serve as bioindicators of pollution and connect directly to NASA's astrobiology and Mars exploration goals. The project supports NASA's mission to engage underserved communities in real-world STEM research while increasing Indigenous student participation in environmental science and biotechnology. Outcomes include expanded lab experiments that are compatible to different STEM courses like Microbiology, toxicology, and environmental science, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, student training in advanced molecular techniques, and scientific presentations at conferences, further enhancing NICC's research capacity and student career readiness.
Mathias Schubert
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Polarization-Resolved Spectrally Tailorable Thermal Emission from Columnar Metamaterials for Thermal Energy Management
Thermal control is mission-critical for NASA systems operating in thermally extreme, power-limited environments. In the vacuum of space, where convection is absent, radiation is the only mechanism for dissipating heat—placing unique demands on materials that must remain stable and effective across wide temperature ranges. Traditional coatings emit broadband, unpolarized radiation, offering limited control over how and where heat is shed.This project explores new approaches to tailoring thermal emission using metamaterials—engineered surfaces designed to manipulate light and heat in unconventional ways. Specifically, we investigate spatially coherent nano-columnar structures fabricated via a recently emerging bottom-up technique known as glancing-angle deposition (GLAD). This method allows fine control over nanoscale geometry, enabling spectrally selective, polarization-resolved, and directional thermal radiation.The project aims to establish a theoretical framework that captures the physical mechanisms governing tunable thermal emission and guides the design and fabrication of structures that realize tailored thermal responses. Using a closed-loop workflow combining FEM-based modeling, nanofabrication, and Mueller matrix ellipsometry, we will explore the relationship between geometry and anisotropic emission across ultraviolet to mid-infrared wavelengths.This work will provide hands-on training for a Nebraska-based graduate student and supports NASA's Science, Space Technology, and Space Operations directorates.
Maeghan Murie-Mazariegos
Nebraska Indian Community College
Molecular Investigation of Environmental Contaminants at NICC
This project investigates the molecular-level impact of environmental contaminants near the Omaha and Santee Sioux tribal lands, focusing on water and soil quality. Through hands-on student research and lab-based analysis, the project identifies pollutants that threaten ecosystems, traditional food and medicine sources, and overall tribal community health. By integrating scientific methods with Indigenous knowledge, the project supports culturally relevant environmental stewardship. Aligned with NASA's Earth Science mission to understand and protect Earth's systems, this research contributes to monitoring local environmental change and community resilience in underserved areas. Contaminants such as agricultural runoff and industrial waste can disrupt access to safe water, native plants, and culturally significant resources—making Indigenous environmental health a critical priority. This initiative not only enhances STEM education at NICC but also strengthens tribal capacity to protect land and water for future generations. Findings will be shared with tribal leadership to inform sustainable decision-making, support environmental justice, and preserve access to vital natural resources. By elevating Indigenous perspectives in environmental science, the project also contributes to NASA's goal of broadening participation and addressing environmental challenges at both local and planetary levels.
.jpg)
Shane Farritor
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Miniature Robotic Telesurgery Operating Theater Development
Spaceflight presents a challenging environment for medical care. Miniature robotic telesurgery is a promising technology that could address the need for surgical care in space. Although ground-to-space telesurgery has been demonstrated, further investigation is needed to determine best practices for zero-gravity equipment restraint and robot placement, to preserve a sterile environment. Additionally, training procedures for on-site telesurgery support personnel will be investigated.