Take one student from McGill University, another from the University of Ottawa, a life sciences scholarship, and a unique place of learning. Mix . What do you get? A profound and dynamic experience! Again this year, the Canadian Space Agency sponsored two Canadian students in a life-sciences-related program and arranged for them to do a six-week internship at NASA.

Christopher Lee and Prateek Khatri took part in NASA's Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP). They flew to Kennedy Space Center in early summer 2005, joining 28 other trainees from all over the United States. During the six-week program, the students gained a wealth of practical laboratory experience and theoretical knowledge in the space life sciences. This rewarding opportunity has filled their heads with a thousand new ideas. Here is their story.

The Kennedy Space Center (Photo: NASA)

"The research component of the SLSTP was certainly a highlight of the program," says Christopher. "The principal investigators had designed the experiments prior to our arrival and within six weeks, we were responsible for its execution, data analysis and presentation. Conducting the research with a very talented group of scientists at NASA was an incredible experience."

Christopher and Prateek were involved in studies related to cardiovascular physiology in space. Astronauts returning to Earth often have a hard time standing upright because of low blood pressure and cerebral blood flow. The symptoms of this condition, called orthostatic hypotension, include light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and possible fainting. Prateek and Christopher studied the potential use of a device called the inspiratory impedance threshold device (ITD) to alleviate these problems.

Studying cardiovascular physiology will eventually lead to treatments and prevention techniques that can make interplanetary travel possible.  (Photo: NASA)

An intense workload

The students participating in the SLSTP had to keep to a very busy schedule in order to complete their curriculum. "We were typically in the laboratory from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and attended lectures from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.," says Christopher. "We benefited from a wide array of speakers, including astronauts, biochemists, ecologists, and engineers."

The two students satisfied their thirst for knowledge as they studied numerous subjects during their term. Prateek explains that lecture topics included payload development, vegetable production in space, advanced life support, Mars exploration, the ecological impact of space flight operations, scientific ethics, and careers in aerospace medicine. "I was particularly interested in the lectures on human physiology in a space science context, such as the adaptations of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurovestibular systems to microgravity, as well as reproduction and nutrition in space."

Their scientific curriculum was complemented by visits to a variety of sites that introduced the interns to the environmental impact of space activities.

Prateek and the group of students visit Kennedy Space Center.  (Photo: Prateek Khatri)

Broader knowledge and skills The SLSTP does not just offer students a unique learning arena. It is a truly, enriching experience that helps them develop personal skills and provides insight into the multiple aspects of a career in space science. "By participating in various workshops, I was able to build my capacity for leadership within the scientific community," says Prateek. "I realized how my passion for life and space sciences could be combined into a single, thrilling career. Ultimately, my experience has granted me a better understanding of myself, my surroundings, and the mysteries of nature."

Christopher Lee concurs. "The SLSTP certainly exceeded my expectations. It gave me the opportunity to experience first-hand some of the most advanced scientific research in the world. It strengthened my motivation, curiosity, and excitement for space life sciences." The students valued the program's approach, which is based on establishing close collaboration in the group. "I realized that with passion and perseverance, a group of ordinary people working together can achieve extraordinary things, " says Prateek. The group came from a broad array of disciplines, including biomedical science, environmental science, computer science, and aerospace engineering. Despite their diversity, a passion for space life sciences brought them together, forging a marvellous unity.

Prateek and the other students visited the Discovery launch pad (Photo: Prateek Khatri)

Prateek's winning poster  (Photo: Prateek Khatri)

What's next? Prateek had the honour of seeing his scientific poster presentation selected as one of the top three at SLSTP. Christopher had the opportunity to lead a group of students who gave a presentation to senior management at the Kennedy Space Center, including Director Jim Kennedy. Both students will be presenting the results of their research in November at the American Society for Gravitational Space Biology Conference in Reno, Nevada.