Galactic Classroom: Science Aboard the International Space Station

Friday, May 30, 2014

9:30 am - 10:30 am

In space, water becomes a spherical ball, hovering in the air. Plants grow sideways. Humans lose muscle mass. Without earth’s gravity things behave…well, differently. Such is life—and science—aboard the International Space Station, where the extremes of microgravity make possible a whole new class of cutting-edge experiments ranging from fluid dynamics (try drinking a cup of coffee that won’t stay in the cup) to vaccines, and research about the origin of the life to predicting natural disasters. ISS scientists join middle school students from across the country in a virtual classroom that brings research at 240 miles above earth’s surface right down to earth.

Moderator

Catherine CrierJournalist

Catherine Crier earned her B.A. in political science and international affairs from the University of Texas and her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law. In 1984, she was elected to the 162nd District Court in Dallas County, Texas as a State District Judge. During her tenure on the bench, Crier also served as Administrative Judge for the Civil District Courts.

Tara M. RuttleySpace Scientist

Tara M. Ruttley is an associate program scientist for the International Space Station for NASA at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Her current role consists of representing and communicating all research on the ISS, and supporting the ISS Chief Scientist’s research recommendations to NASA Headquarters.

Mark M. WeislogelEngineer

Mark Weislogel is a thermal and fluid dynamics researcher specializing in microscale thermal devices and fluids in small, complex geometric shapes. He has 10 years of aerospace experience with NASA, where he worked on microgravity capillary phenomena that played an important role in space flight experiments aboard the Space Shuttle, Russian Mir Space Station, and the International Space Station.

Sandra MagnusFormer NASA Astronaut

Sandra H. “Sandy” Magnus is the executive director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest aerospace professional society. Magnus attended the Missouri University of Science and Technology, graduating with a degree in physics and a master’s degree in electrical engineering.

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Galactic Classroom: Science Aboard the International Space Station

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