Simpson Joins Iowa NASA Space Grants Consortium

Simpson College has gained acceptance into the Iowa NASA Space Grants Consortium. The consortium seeks to promote opportunities aligned with NASA’s mission by stimulating research, education, and outreach programs for the state of Iowa.

“This is incredibly exciting news,” said Subramanian. “Simpson students and faculty across disciplines now have access to funding opportunities for research projects, as well as resources to develop curricula that support the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills, with a focus on improving student outcomes.”

Simpson’s unique opportunity follows a campus visit by Dr. Sara Nelson, Director of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium. Dr. Nelson came to observe lab spaces and discuss the development of the space biology project launched by Dr. Aswati Subramanian, associate professor of biology at Simpson, during her recent sabbatical. Simpson Interim President Dr. Sue Stuebner also met with Nelson to discuss ways to maximize the College’s collaboration with the consortium.

This fall, Dr. Subramanian is mentoring Simpson biochemistry majors Brennan Voss ’27and Brian Rollison ’27 as they work together on a space biology project. Their research is focused on how single-cell organisms are affected by simulated micro gravity and hyper gravity.

“It’s very exciting — something I never expected to do at Simpson,” said Voss. “I find it fascinating how microscopic organisms can help us understand huge questions about space travel. I’ve really enjoyed the problem-solving that comes with stepping outside my comfort zone to explore new areas of science.”

Rollison says their work has been eye-opening. “I had very little research experience before this, so this project is providing great insights. Getting accepted into the Iowa NASA Space Grants Consortium is awesome because it not only opens the door for Brennan and me, but also for many students in the future.”

Subramanian says other faculty and student researchers are already expressing interestin applying to the NASA Space Consortium for on-campus research grants. Consortium membership will also provide Simpson students the chance to have summer internships in NASA labs, as well as in other labs across the country that perform space research.