Research

PhD alum spent 45 days isolated in space. Well, kind of

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:18:30 +0000

PhD alum spent 45 days isolated in space. Well, kind of Alexander Jame… Tue, 04/01/2025 - 16:18

Alexander Servantez

Robert Wilson stepped foot inside the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) facility with just a bag of clothes, some headphones and a journal. He looked around his new home—a 650-square-foot closed habitat with two narrow floors and one small loft.

Robert Wilson (PhDMechEngr'20) and his fellow crew members during the 45-day simulated mission to Mars.

Wilson, a PhD graduate from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, was living every child’s dream. For the next 45 days, he and a team of three crew members from around the world were embarking on a simulated mission to Mars.

Their NASA-sponsored mission was simple: live and work like an astronaut. But life in the deep space domain isn’t as glamorous as it seems, even if it’s just a simulation.

“When the door was sealed shut behind me, things got real, fast,” Wilson said.

The HERA research habitat, housed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, is one of the country’s premier locations for isolation and confinement research. Scientists across the nation use HERA studies to analyze the effects of deep space on human health and performance.

One day, insights gathered from HERA simulated missions could help guide the development of new, innovative strategies aimed at helping astronauts overcome challenges and perform complex tasks while in space. Maybe it’s a series of models that can predict an astronaut’s levels of stress and fatigue, or inform crew dynamics so they can work better as a team.

For Wilson, maybe it’s something more than that. Think of TARS, Matthew McConaughey’s robot companion in the movie Interstellar, who uses a vast bank of knowledge on human behavior to assist the crew during their cosmic mission.

“There’s a lot left on the table when it comes to studying and using biometric data,” said Wilson. “The goal is to provide artificial intelligence systems with better data on humans to help them make more informed decisions.”

Experiencing space without ever leaving the ground

Wilson, currently a senior researcher at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, received his PhD from 91�� in 2020. His research focused on analyzing and modeling one of the hardest populations in the world to work with: people.

Wilson standing in front of the HERA facility.

“I was mostly interested in biometric data—how we can use it to answer questions and inform our decisions,” Wilson said. “But it’s the human element that makes it difficult. People are ‘squishy’ and engineering with ‘squishy’ things is very hard. Not all things are generalizable across all people, and being able to solve problems in this space relies on our ability to gather reasonable and consistent data about how humans behave or perform.”

There are other variables, such as environment, that make collecting human data more difficult, as well. Few humans have experienced the isolated no-man’s-land that we call outer space, and the data we have collected is too little to represent the infinity and beyond.

That’s why Wilson and others are choosing to take matters into their own hands as research volunteers at the HERA facility in Houston.

“When I was researching the HERA facility and learning what it takes to be a test subject, I realized that I fit all of the requirements. I could be data,” said Wilson. “So I applied just to see what happens. I got accepted, I went through physical evaluations, psychological evaluations and was lucky enough to be selected for the simulated Mars mission.”

Wilson and his fellow crew members familiarized themselves with the habitat, completing a few weeks of training before the real mission was set to begin in November. They needed to be prepared to handle communication delays as they “approach” Mars, maintain life support systems aboard the analog, and conduct the 18 different human health studies related to a spaceflight-like environment.

Once the team “took off,” they were on their own. Other than a weekday Houston newspaper and a weekly family call, the crew was completely cut off from the outside world.

It was as if the vast unknown had suddenly become very small, and the only way to stay on track was through each other.

“You really have to rely on the crew dynamics,” Wilson said. “I call it team maintenance. Not every day is a winning day. It’s about being open with each other and figuring out how to navigate the challenges.”

Human-machine teaming in space and at home

Each of these simulated missions to Mars is just one small step for mankind. More missions must be completed and more data gathered in order for researchers to develop impactful tools for astronauts during space travel.

Wilson tinkering with some machinery in his HERA facility workspace.

For Wilson, these tools rely on a new, multidisciplinary field called human-machine teaming.

Picture your ordinary robot. It may have its own special capabilities that are useful to humans, but Wilson sees more. What if the next generation of human and robot teams operate under shared cognition—they can understand each other and achieve a shared goal?

“Maybe we can pair [astronauts] with a rover that has an idea of how they are doing,” said Wilson. “It can still keep track of their life support systems, but it can also help them make informed decisions based on their levels of stress and fatigue.”

Wilson says robot companions equipped with these types of AI systems can be extremely impactful back on Earth, too. Believe it or not, outer space isn’t the only environment that poses great risk to humans.

“There are people everywhere, in all kinds of environments,” Wilson said. “Maybe these systems can help people in areas where temperatures get really hot or really cold, like Antarctica. Maybe it’s people working long hours or doing things they can’t do all the time.”

The world and its celestial surroundings are diverse, meaning there is plenty of room for researchers like Wilson to leave a mark. His experience inside the HERA facility holds one of the keys to unlocking that potential.

“Space is a really interesting thing because humans are not designed to be there. We don’t even fully understand cognition on Earth,” said Wilson. “If we can find an effective way to monitor that experience then we can figure out a way to improve it, as well. But we have to get data first.”

Robert Wilson (PhDMechEngr'20) spent 45 days locked inside NASA’s HERA facility, a high-tech simulation designed to test the limits of human endurance in deep space. His mission could help shape the future of space exploration—and life back on Earth.

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From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:52:12 +0000

From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:52

Professor Massimo Ruzzene is the senior vice chancellor for research and innovation. His goal is to foster a campus environment that turns research into real-world impact in areas such as quantum, space, climate and health.

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Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:22:08 +0000

Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action Alexander Jame… Fri, 03/21/2025 - 11:22

91�� is a hub for sustainable entrepreneurship. Spinouts such as Associate Professor Greg Rieker's LongPath Technologies, Professor Se-Hee Lee's Solid Power and Associate Professor Chunmei Ban's Mana Battery are just some of the university's latest successful ventures motivated by protecting the environment.

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91�� startup Mesa Quantum earns two major grants to improve navigation infrastructure

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:45:19 +0000

91�� startup Mesa Quantum earns two major grants to improve navigation infrastructure Alexander Jame… Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:45

For over 20 years, Associate Research Professor Svenja Knappe has focused on developing miniaturized quantum sensors and systems. Now the technology is helping 91�� spinout Mesa Quantum commercialize chip-scale quantum solutions that can transform our navigation infrastructure.

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People of color breathe Denver’s smelliest air

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 21:17:27 +0000

People of color breathe Denver’s smelliest air Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/17/2025 - 15:17

A new 91��-led study, headlined by Professor Shelly Miller, shows that Denver residents in marginalized areas of the city are more likely to be exposed to odor emitting facilities. However, these communities are also the least likely to report these odors to the city, a statistic that Miller and her colleagues would like to see change.

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Wiedinmyer on the power, importance of NOAA weather forecasting

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:16:26 +0000

Wiedinmyer on the power, importance of NOAA weather forecasting Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/10/2025 - 10:16

Research Professor Christine Wiedinmyer is an atmospheric expert whose research investigates the impact of air pollutants on air quality, climate and public health. In this article by The Conversation, Wiedinmyer gives a behind-the-scenes look at how NOAA forecasters use technology to predict the weather, and how important they are to the fabric of our everyday life.

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Robotic bees? These bio-inspired robots redefine the boundaries of autonomy and sustainability

Matthew Cumpton — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Robotic bees? These bio-inspired robots redefine the boundaries of autonomy and sustainability Matthew Cumpton Wed, 03/05/2025 - 15:00

Madison Seckman

With rapid advancements in robotics and AI, the line between science fiction and reality continues to blur. At the heart of this innovation lies a breakthrough: drones designed to solve pressing global challenges, from pollinating crops to navigating wildfire zones.

This vision drives Assistant Professor Chahat Singh, leader of the PRAISe (Perception, Robotics, AI and Sensing) Lab in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. With an academic background spanning electronics, robotics, and computer science, Singh is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of bio-inspired robotics and AI in resource-constrained systems.

Assistant Professor Chahat Singh next to one of his compact and autonomous robotic designs.

Singh’s overarching research question is deceptively simple: What is the minimum amount of computational power, sensor capability, and resources required for small robots to achieve autonomy? This challenge is compounded by the scale of the robots he designs, which are constrained by limited computational capacity and lightweight requirements. They are two to three inches in length and orders of magnitude smaller in terms of physical size and computational power than traditional robots. “We’re working with systems that have 100 times less computing power than a Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot,” Singh explained. “The goal is to achieve autonomy with the bare minimum.”

One of Singh’s most notable projects focuses on autonomous drones for pollination, inspired by the overwhelming loss of honeybee colonies. “The question was whether today’s robotics and AI could fill this gap until we have a more sustainable biological solution,” Singh said. The answer lies in his innovative, lightweight drones that can navigate autonomously through forests and fields without relying on external communication or GPS, making them secure and efficient.

Singh’s current drone model incorporates multiple onboard cameras, which enables it to identify and align with flowers for pollination. The cameras use advanced neural depth-perception algorithms powered by AI-accelerated computers. Many creatures have developed different pupil shapes based on their habitats which allow variations in incoming light and amount of blur to help them determine the depth of objects. “The cameras are inspired by biological systems,” he explained.

Singh showcasing the small scale of materials in his robot's design. His goal is to develop autonomous drones with less resources and power than traditional robots.

Singh’s drones are not just technologically advanced—they’re engineering marvels. Built from carbon fiber frames, these drones are lightweight yet robust, weighing around 250 grams. They use lithium ion batteries which are heavy and tend to die quickly, so he has started to look at ways to charge the batteries while the robots are outside.

To overcome these limitations, Singh has developed a “mother drone” system. The larger drone carries smaller drones to the target area and acts as a mobile charging station. Once deployed, the smaller drones autonomously search for flowers and begin pollination. This approach not only extends operational time but also reduces the energy expenditure of individual drones. “It’s a highly efficient system that mirrors natural ecosystems,” Singh said.

While the pollination drones have gathered attention, Singh’s research has broader implications. His team is working on compressing advanced AI models, such as language and vision models, to operate on resource-constrained systems. “Imagine a robot navigating a forest during a wildfire,” Singh said. “It needs to make decisions on the spot, without internet access or pre-programmed instructions. That’s the next frontier—embedding foundational AI models into small, autonomous robots.”

Singh’s vision extends to deploying fleets of robots for tasks like firefighting, disaster response, and ecological monitoring. By creating swarms of cost-effective, autonomous robots, he aims to revolutionize industries that rely on expensive, large-scale systems. “Smaller robots are not just cool—they’re necessary,” he emphasized. “They offer safety, robustness, and cost-effectiveness.”

Despite the groundbreaking nature of his work, he is committed to open-source principles. “I believe in openness because this research is for the greater good,” he said. Singh has already shared software for drone operation and plans to release additional resources to empower other researchers and innovators.

When asked about his favorite part of the research, Singh highlighted the hope it brings for the future. “Whether it’s addressing ecological crises or enhancing technology, I want to create robot systems that are safe, innovative and sustainable,” he said. “This is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while respecting the natural world.”

Assistant Professor Chahat Singh is pioneering advancements in bio-inspired robotics and resource-constrained AI. His work focuses on developing small, autonomous drones capable of solving global challenges, such as pollinating crops and navigating wildfire zones.

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Meet 5 types of robots with living body parts

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 19:09:09 +0000

Meet 5 types of robots with living body parts Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/03/2025 - 12:09

Living organisms have evolved across the span of millions of years to do things that are nearly impossible even for today's machines. But what happens when you combine biology and engineering to create more capable robots? Assistant Professor Nicole Xu shares her lab's efforts to create the next generation of cyborg jellyfish explorers.

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Tiny insects could lead to big changes in robot design

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:47:32 +0000

Tiny insects could lead to big changes in robot design Alexander Jame… Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:47

Professor Sean Humbert is being awarded a five-year, $909,000 grant to make robotic advancements in flight physics and aerial systems. How? By unlocking the biological secrets of your common, everyday housefly.

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PhD student advances sustainable and ethical battery technology

Matthew Cumpton — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:31:01 +0000

PhD student advances sustainable and ethical battery technology Matthew Cumpton Wed, 02/19/2025 - 08:31

Madison Seckman

Imagine a future where renewable energy storage is not just efficient but also sustainable, scalable, and ethical. This vision is what drives Charley Thomas, a fifth-year PhD student working on cutting-edge battery technology. From solid electrolytes to sodium-ion batteries, Thomas is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in energy storage.

In her current research with the Ban Surface Science and Engineering Research Group, Thomas works on two distinct projects: stress-testing solid electrolytes and developing cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. While both are pivotal in advancing battery science, each presents its own unique challenges and rewards.

Solid electrolytes are a promising alternative to traditional liquid-based systems in lithium-ion batteries. However, testing them is notoriously complex. “Stress-testing solid electrolytes sucks,” Thomas said. “There’s no perfect method for evaluating their performance.”

One commonly used test involves symmetrical cells, where the same electrode is placed on both sides of the solid electrolyte. Critical current density testing—ramping up the current until a short circuit occurs—is used to evaluate the material's performance. But this method has its flaws. “Critical current density isn’t a true material property. It’s influenced heavily by the experimental setup,” Thomas explained.

Despite these challenges, Thomas is dedicated to refining her methods, even when it involves tedious and high-stakes procedures like dipping electrolyte pellets into molten lithium at 180 C. “It’s frustrating when the pellets shatter during the process, but each failure teaches us something valuable,” she said.

Thomas’ second project, focused on sodium-ion batteries, offers a hands-on approach to cathode development. Sodium-ion technology has the potential to address ethical and material scarcity concerns associated with lithium-based systems, as sodium is far more abundant and affordable.

“What excites me about this project is that I get to start from the ground up,” Thomas shared. Using common salts—sometimes even dietary supplements—she synthesizes particles, cleans and dries them, and assembles them into electrodes for testing.

This process has deepened Thomas’ understanding of battery fundamentals. “Unlike solid electrolyte testing, which uses symmetrical cells, working with cathodes involves real chemical potential differences and redox reactions. It’s helping me truly grasp how batteries work,” she said.

Thomas’ ultimate goal is to contribute to sustainable energy storage systems that could revolutionize how we power our world. While initially drawn to academia for its teaching opportunities, she is now exploring postdoctoral research as the next step.

“Work-life balance is important to me, so I’m reevaluating my long-term plans,” she said. “But no matter where I end up, I want to be part of the shift towards renewable, ethical energy storage.”

As she continues refining solid electrolytes and advancing sodium-ion technology, Thomas’ work embodies the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and first-principles science. “When a project finally works—when a battery has great capacity or lasts a long time—it’s the best feeling,” she said.

Fifth-year PhD student Charley Thomas is driven by a vision of renewable energy storage that is efficient, sustainable, scalable, and ethical. Through her work with the Ban Surface Science and Engineering Research Group, Thomas tackles two key challenges in battery technology: stress-testing solid electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries and developing cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.

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Research

PhD alum spent 45 days isolated in space. Well, kind of

Experiencing space without ever leaving the ground

Human-machine teaming in space and at home

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From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene

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Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action

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91������ startup Mesa Quantum earns two major grants to improve navigation infrastructure

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People of color breathe Denver’s smelliest air

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Wiedinmyer on the power, importance of NOAA weather forecasting

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Robotic bees? These bio-inspired robots redefine the boundaries of autonomy and sustainability

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Meet 5 types of robots with living body parts

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Tiny insects could lead to big changes in robot design

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PhD student advances sustainable and ethical battery technology

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91�� startup Mesa Quantum earns two major grants to improve navigation infrastructure