Andrew D'Ovidio is in his second year of the M.S. in Biomechanics program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and works as a graduate research assistant in the Additive Manufacturing Lab under Dr. Jorge Zuniga. His research focuses on antimicrobial materials for additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) with emphasis on medical device development, polymer recycling, and in-space manufacturing. Through this fellowship, Andrew is collaborating with colleagues at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and industry partners to evaluate applications of recyclable antimicrobial materials for additive manufacturing as preventative health countermeasures during spaceflight. 

Seh Na Mellick is a senior pursuing a BS in Molecular and Biomedical Biology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She is currently a member of Dr. Donald Rowen's microbiology lab where she researches antibiotic resistance in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her project entails the application of molecular genetics towards identifying and elucidating the mechanisms of genes that are involved in regulating pathways contributing to virulence and drug resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found on space vehicles, and as bacteria have been observed to experience altered drug sensitivity in space, knowledge of genes and mechanisms influencing antibiotic resistance can benefit the health of both astronauts and the public. 

Liliana Delgado is a graduate student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha studying biomechanics.  Delgado earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, with minors in physics and women & gender studies from Iowa State University. She intends to earn a Ph.D. studying and designing assistive technology for people on the ground and in space. 

Kasey Moomau is a senior studying mechanical engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Before coming to UNL, he taught STEM to gifted K-12 students and served in rapid prototyping citizen science efforts for the better part of a decade. He is an avid member of UNL Aerospace’s Lunabotics team and conducts undergraduate research in the Smart Materials and Robotics Laboratory with the goal of supporting the future technical needs of NASA’s interplanetary exploration missions. Kasey advances his passion for mentorship and engineering education by helping middle and high school students design and carry out their own research with the Big Red Sat Team’s CubeSat contract and high-altitude balloon launches. He serves as the President of UNL’s Tau Beta Pi chapter.  

Spencer is a PhD student studying Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He previously received a B.S. in Bioengineering at the University of California, Riverside. His current research involves creating a new manufacturing framework for 3D printing liquid metal embedded elastomer composites (LMEE). The goal of his project under the NASA NE Space Grant Fellowship is to develop materials for improving space suit thermal management systems using LMEEs.  

Ethan is a PhD student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. He is a research assistant in the Smart Materials and Robotics Lab at UNL where his current research focuses on developing gallium-based liquid metal composites for use in flexible electronics. Through this fellowship, Ethan aims to increase the lifetime and resilience of liquid metal electronic circuits. Stretchable, compliant electronic circuits will be critical for future crewed missions that will require flexible human health monitoring and structural health monitoring materials. 

Macy Homes is a senior at College of Saint Mary majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and business.  She values the hands-on experience gained working during the past six years for the local veterinarian clinic and plans to attend veterinarian school upon graduation.  Homes is a co-coordinator for the College of Saint Mary (CSM) Elementary Outreach Program. The program provides hands-on activities in the STEM field to elementary students (grades K-5) in Omaha, and surrounding areas which allow children to open their minds and create a connection between the world they live in and how the world works around them. 

Ian Papenfus is a senior at Chadron State College pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry. Ian’s research is focused on studying bacterial resistance to fosfomycin. This will be done with a focus on the FosB enzyme, an enzyme commonly used by bacteria to inactivate fosfomycin. The goal of the research is to find methods of inhibiting the enzyme, focusing on the coenzymes used by FosB in order to inhibit function. Upon graduation, Ian intends to attend an MD program. 

Siobhan Stoll is a Junior at Creighton University studying Environmental Science and Biology. With her mentor, Dr. Mary Ann Vinton, she studies ecological changes in the Nebraska Sandhills. This project specifically focuses on the seasonal and long-term changes of ground water-fed lakes in the Sandhills. She uses an UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle or drone) to capture imagery of these lakes throughout the summer and fall. She analyzes these, paired with images from satellites, to describe how the water and the surrounding vegetation are changing in this ecosystem in relation to changing climate conditions. Siobhan plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in environmental health and infectious diseases after graduating from Creighton. 

Tyler Wiles is a second year PhD student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha working under Dr. Likens and Dr. Stergiou. Tyler completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Health Science and a master’s degree in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos. During his undergraduate and graduate education, Tyler has published three papers on the topic of skateboarding and the physiology and biomechanics of wetsuits developed for surfers. Now, Tyler's research focus is directed towards nonlinear analysis, gait characteristics in adults of all ages, how gait influences how we perceive the world, and the development of nanofibrous materials. 

Andrew received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 2020 and is currently a PhD student in Electrical Engineering at UNL. His research is in the photonic engineering of thermal radiation, particularly focusing on the thermal emission characteristics of functionalized surfaces produced through femtosecond laser surface processing. His NASA Fellowship project focuses on the development of asymmetric and nonreciprocal thermal emission. This research is expected to have applications in thermal sensing, energy harvesting, and thermal management systems. 

Walker Arce is a master’s student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln focusing on the application of machine learning to the detection and classification of severe behaviors exhibited by patients with autism spectrum disorder.  He currently works in the Virtual Reality Laboratory in the Munroe Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center under the supervision of Dr. James Gehringer and his thesis work is advised by Dr. Benjamin Riggan in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  

Elizabeth Kettler is a Senior at Creighton University studying Exercise Science with plans to become a medical doctor. Her research with Dr. Eric Bredahl seeks to characterize the role of metabolic suppression in preventing maladaptations to microgravity. By lowering metabolism without damaging cell viability, she hopes to propose a potential mechanism of attenuating muscle atrophy and other maladpations associated with spaceflight.  

Sydney Miracle earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Georgia and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  Her current research project aims to develop an affordable, 3D printed, electronically driven prosthesis. 

Alex Evenson is a biomedical engineering graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln currently pursuing a graduate degree in biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  He serves as a graduate assistant in the biomechanics lab working with Dr. Zuniga’s team. 

Taylor Rosso is a third year PhD student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln working under Dr. Karrie Weber. She is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska to pursue graduate school. Taylor's research interests consist of iron cycling and how changes in the environment alter this cycle, as well as the interplay of microbial communities regarding these changes. Taylor is also actively involved in outreach and science communication.  

Thomas Hare is a sophomore physics major at Creighton University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jack R. Gabel, Thomas is currently at work on a project to develop computer simulations that can model future observations of quasars from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope at the Vera Rubin Observatory. Thomas’ interest in space sciences began with a passion for backyard astronomy in his hometown of Fayetteville, AR, and after graduation, he aspires to pursue a research career in astrophysics. 

Nicoli Angelo Boerkircher is a student at Western Nebraska Community College working towards his Associates of Computer Science. He is a 2022 high school graduate who started taking dual-credit college classes at the age of 15. He will be working towards completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science with an emphasis in computer programming. 

Ryan Healey is a 4th year undergraduate student in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His work is performed in the Center for Electro-Optics and Functionalized Surfaces under the advisement of Dr. Craig Zuhlke. Ryan's work is centered on femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP) to produce superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces. He uses a computer numerical control (CNC) system manufactured by 6-D Laser that allows processing of materials in a setup with five axes of motion. Under this fellowship, one of the specific main goals is applying FLSP to three-dimensional surfaces to change the wetting properties of surfaces. 

Greg Acosta is a PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He currently works in the Nebraska Nanoscale Energy Engineering lab under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Ghashami. Greg’s research involves the study of the thermal transport process of nanoconfined rarefied gases via experimental and theoretical techniques. This involves quantifying gas-surface interactions by experimentally determining the energy accommodation of monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic rarefied gases subjected to various temperature gradients. His research also involves the study of radiative heat transfer between planar surfaces, separated by micro/nanoscale distances. 

Liz Pekas is a PhD candidate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and works as a graduate research assistant in the Vascular Research and Exercise Physiology Labs under Dr. Song-Young Park. She has 20 peer-reviewed publications since beginning her graduate studies, and she was awarded top presentation awards at the Midlands Society of Physiological Sciences and Iowa Physiological Society Annual Meetings this past year. Furthermore, Liz was a recipient of the 2022 American Kinesiology Award (AKA) Graduate Writing Award. 

Liz's research focuses on vascular dysfunction in aging and disease. With the aid of the NASA Nebraska Space Grant Fellowship, Liz will study the impacts of dietary nitrate therapy on the skeletal muscle microcirculation, autonomic nervous system, and walking capacity in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

Rachel Cushing is a third-year student at College of Saint Mary. She is majoring in Biology with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Rachel is also the libero on the volleyball team, president of the Student Athlete Leadership team, an Honors Program member, among other groups at CSM. Rachel hopes to attend an MD program following graduation and advance her research experience.  

Maya Huirong Wilson currently attends Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, NE. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, serving as Secretary, and was recently elected as a Regional Officer for the Nebraska/Kansas region.  Using her passion for video games, Wilson aims to develop a virtual reality game that simulates the experience of being an astronaut in space while including real astronomical photos. 

Alli Grunkemeyer is a first-year doctoral student in biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  Her current research interests lie in the field of perception and action and how that can better improve rehabilitation efforts in lower-limb amputees.  Project outcomes include informative datasets that can be applied toward future clinical applications. 

Rachael is a mechanical engineering master's student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research interests include space technology and surgical robotics. She graduated with a bachelor's from UNL in 2018 and worked at Virtual Incision in Lincoln, NE before pursuing a graduate degree. 

Shelley Kosola is currently affiliated with Nebraska Indian Community College as a student and heavily involved with research opportunities offered by the college. She grew up on a farm just east of the Santee Sioux Reservation at Crofton Nebraska. Shelley seeks to find lasting solutions to existing environmental challenges. Shelley completed an REU sustainable internship at USD and continues to be a working member of valuable environmental research conducted at NICC. She has plans to pursue and bachelor's degree in environmental science. 

Jack Pereira is an undergraduate student at Creighton University majoring in Physics. He is currently researching quasars. He is testing the radiation driven Accretion Disk Wind model for Broad Absorption Line (BAL) quasars using a photoionization model called CLOUDY. The model will produce a BAL spectra using CLOUDY where it can be compared to measurements from an observed BAL spectra. The goal is to see whether the Accretion Disk is the cause for seeing Broad Absorption Lines in quasar spectra. 

Chasity Warrior currently studies at Nebraska Indian Community College. Her research project focuses on the environmental monitoring of native prairie restoration. Currently, the project is focused on the Missouri River Disturbance. Using GIS tools to capture chronological changes to the prairie plots, they plan to gather information for stakeholders to make decisions about the ever-changing environment that is accentuated by climate change. 

Harrison Gocke is from York, Nebraska and currently attends Chadron State College studying secondary education with an emphasis in chemistry, nutrition/health, coaching, and natural science. He is a member of the wrestling team and Gocke’s current research project focuses on nutrition, measuring the difference in bioaccesible macronutrients of conventional and organic crops. This will be done using in vitro digestion, with porcine and bovine enzymes, as well as electrolyte stock solutions, and heat and stirring, to mimic a stomach environment. 

Nicole Fiore is a PhD candidate and NSF GRFP fellow in the Weber Geomicrobiology and Microbial Biogeochemistry lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research interests are in astrobiology and characterizing the limits of microbial life. Nicole’s research and NASA Nebraska project involve inorganic carbon limitation under alkaline pH conditions. Her work assesses the viability of carbonate minerals (specifically those detected in the Martian subsurface) as an alternative carbon source for a novel species of Methanobacterium. 

Edson DeOliveira was born in Angola and later immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. He grew up in rural Nebraska and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where he received a B.S. in Biology with Portuguese language minor in May 2016. While in university, he sought opportunities to enhance his skillsets in education, research, and cross-cultural competencies by studying abroad to Hong Kong for a semester as a Benjamin A. Gilman International scholar, worked for eight months as a graduate research assistant in Brazil as a NSEP David L. Boren scholar, and post-graduation taught in Japan for 12 months as part of the Japan Exchange Teaching program (JET).Beginning in September of 2022, he will work in Dr. Travis McCumber’s lab investigating bone demineralization relative to systemic cardiovascular disease, utilizing cadaveric donors in association to microgravity effects on human physiology. He aspires to become a physician with the adaptability and competency to aid in the optimization of healthcare delivery and advocate as a cultural and medical ambassador across a range of medical environments. 

Patrick Herchenbach is a senior at Creighton University studying chemistry and music. After graduating from Creighton, Patrick plans on attending graduate school to pursue a PhD in analytical chemistry. With his research advisor, Dr. Erin Gross, he is using 3D printed parts and stencil-printed carbon ink electrodes to develop a mobile phone based electrogenerated chemiluminescence detection system. This system is used to detect secondary or tertiary amines such as biogenic amines and other metabolites which are produced by bacteria and are important indicators of bacterial life. With the NASA Nebraska Space Grant Fellowship, Patrick will expand this detection system by studying additional biogenic amines and bacterial metabolites and implementing electrode arrays to detect multiple electrogenerated chemiluminescent signals simultaneously. Ultimately, this lightweight, portable detection system for tertiary and secondary amines could be used to detect bacterial metabolites that indicate life on other planets. 

Andrea Thomas is a student at Nebraska Indian Community College in South Sioux City, Nebraska. She is working on completing her Associate of Science degree. Andrea is looking forward to graduating in the spring of 2023. She is an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, born and raised on the Omaha Indian reservation in Macy, Nebraska. She is involved in Math/Science activities at NICC and participated in the Summer REU Chemistry Internship at USD this last summer. After graduation Andrea plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Math and Science. Her strong belief in her education has brought her back to school, which has helped her in her direction in life. 

Lani Moran-Samqua is a student at Nebraska Indian Community College in Macy, Nebraska.  Lani has completed her Associate of Arts in Native American Studies as well as an associate degree in General Science and is taking more STEM classes that will transfer towards her bachelor's degree.  She is an enrolled member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa, she was born and raised on the Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska.  Lani’s strong belief in her culture and language has brought her to further her college education and her involvement in the NASA research project at NICC. 

Sahrai Luna is a sophomore at Creighton University. She is majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Theology, Biology, and Spanish. Her current work in Dr. Joel F. Destino's, Ph.D., lab. involves designing various hybrid architectures for the fabrication of 3-D printable GeO2- SiO2 glasses. Developing new, chemical approaches for the fabrication of glass materials is central to enabling innovative, additive manufacturing, or 3D-printed glass technologies. Through her experiments, she hopes to enable the design of freeform optics and innovate optical system design. 

Han mitakuyapi, emakiyapi Adrianna Duarte. Adrianna comes from the Isanti reservation. She is a descendant of both Isanti and Umonhon indigenous peoples. Her ideas on environmental well-being come from her academic studies along with her cultural beliefs. Through her upbringing she was taught that all living things are interconnected, and that mother earth takes care of all of our needs. She is a firm believer in that it is our responsibility to reciprocate the nurturing care. As she progresses through her college career, she is learning how we can create a sustainable environment as well as the future for our loved ones to come. 

Yasmeen Sandoval is a student advisor for SCC/Online students at NICC. She is a part of the science lovers' group. Sandoval hopes to learn and better herself through this opportunity.  She is currently a part of the fellowship project focusing on environmental monitoring of the native prairie restoration, and the Missouri River disturbance research projects. Mentored by NICC faculty, student fellows will continue to gather soil and plant composition data on the prairie restoration plots. They plan to gather information that can give stakeholders the information they need to make decisions about an ever-changing environment that is accentuated by climate change. 

Yasmeen is a mother to two boys, 3 and 1, whom she adores.