Who We Are
Life is challenged by the extreme environments of spaceflight. The lower gravity levels in space and on the moon and Mars have a wide range of harmful effects on humans and other living organisms. Away from Earth, there is no air, food, and water apart from what we bring with us. Radiation levels are much higher in deep space than on Earth, posing significant health risks. These challenges must be faced if we are to explore the moon, Mars, and beyond.
Who We Are
In the Space Biosciences Division at NASA’s Ames Research Center, we perform the biological research and technology development necessary to tackle these challenges and enable NASA’s long-term human exploration mission.
Meet the SC Division Management Team
Parag Vaishampayan, Ph.D.
Division Chief
Egle Cekanaviciute, Ph.D.
Deputy Division Chief
Yasaman Shirazi-Fard, Ph.D.
Bioengineering Branch Chief
Dennis Leveson-Gower, Ph.D.
Bioengineering Assistant Branch Chief
Amela Zanačić, M.A.
Flight Systems Implementation Branch Chief
Elizabeth Pane, B.A.
Flight Systems Implementation Assistant Branch Chief
Christina Johnson, Ph.D
Space Biosciences Research Branch Chief
Medaya Torres, M.S.
Space Biosciences Research Deputy Branch Chief
Amy Gresser, Ph.D.
Ames Space Biology Portfolio Manager
Jonathan Galazka, Ph.D.
Ames Space Biology Portfolio Scientist (Acting)