BIO

Senior majoring in Biology at Florida State University, originally from Jupiter, Florida. Future goals are to move on to medical school in hopes of becoming an interventional radiologist. Current Teaching Assistant For Organic Chemistry Lab and past Learning Assistant for Organic Chemistry 1. Research Interests include studying changes in Arteries, veins and structure of lymphatic vessels.

Long-term Effects of Simulated Spaceflight on Lymphatic Biology

Abstract

When astronauts travel to space, they are exposed to the spaceflight environment, which includes weightlessness (e.g. microgravity) and space radiation exposure. Various physiological adaptations occur with astronauts when exposed to the space environment, though our understanding of how the lymphatics adapt to the spaceflight environment is minimal. The lymphatics are involved with cardiovascular health, fluid regulation, and the immune system response to varying conditions. Our project included the study of lymphatics utilizing rodent models being exposed to simulated conditions of spaceflight, including microgravity and/or deep space radiation exposure, and the long-term effects of being exposed to these stressors. Our preliminary findings suggest unique long-term adaptations of lymphatics to simulated spaceflight. The results from this study increase our overall knowledge of lymphatic biology in the context of the field of space medicine as well as improve life on Earth by expanding our understanding of the lymphatic system and how biology responds to radiation exposure.

Keywords: Lymphatics, Space, Radiation, Microgravity