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NASA to showcase research at UM campus
Some of NASA’s top leaders in research and education are coming to the University of Montana next week as part of a new effort to educate the public about how space exploration and research benefit life here on Earth.
By JANE RIDER of the Missoulian
NASA’s Office of Biological and Physical Research, which pursues research to support human space exploration, is presenting the conference entitled "Leading Great Research in Space." The event runs from Monday through Thursday and includes a training retreat for NASA education outreach specialists.
It’s the first time such a gathering has taken place in the West.
"It’s also the first time we’ve had an opportunity to bring our open house out into the community," said John Emond, public outreach lead for the Office of Biological and Physical Research at NASA headquarters.
The research office uses space as a laboratory for scientific, technological and commercial research, and it oversees experiments at the International Space Station.
NASA officials chose Missoula as the site of the conference partly because of the relationship it has forged with the university and partly because NASA is trying to reach out into areas of the public sector where it hasn’t been as visible.
"We recognize there are other parts of the country we haven’t done as much," Emond said. "There are many areas we can do more in terms of visibility and outreach."
He noted John B. Herrington, an enrolled member of Oklahoma’s Chickasaw tribe, is NASA’s first American Indian astronaut in space.
"We’re now moving into multicultural opportunities in this country," Emond said. "His background is reflective of the fact we are now reaching other sectors of the public in terms of who we have as role models in space."
Many sessions during the conference are open to the public, including a general dialogue from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday on the third floor of the University Center Theater. NASA and local media representatives and Kate Shanley, chair of UM’s Native American studies department, will discuss perceptions of NASA and how the research office can more effectively communicate its research and goals to the public.
On Tuesday, NASA will host a community night from 7 to 9 p.m. in Rooms 204, 205, and 210 of the Todd Building, which is attached to the east side of the University Center. The open house will feature NASA officials, exhibits, interactive displays and an appearance by an astronaut.
Visitors will learn how keeping astronauts fit can help medical researchers fight disease. For example, bone research on astronauts in space may lead to breakthroughs in fighting osteoporosis.
They’ll discover how microgravity research might lead to cleaner combustion in homes and cars.
They’ll find out what new products and materials result from space research and how weightless research helps scientists learn more about adaptation and evolution.
Another educational outreach program with demonstrations and exhibits will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, in both the University Center Theater and the Todd Building. The night will feature a "virtual astronaut" three-dimensional, interactive Web site and a "Picture Yourself in Space" photo booth.
The event also aims to connect with teachers and students. On Thursday afternoon, the research office will host hands-on workshops for Montana preservice and practicing teachers. They’ll practice classroom activities that will link space research to science and math curriculum.
The Glen Research Center is also providing its Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory from Monday through Thursday for K-12 students and educators. The mobile lab is a state-of-the-art classroom that brings new technologies to cities to spur student interest in the fields of science and math.
In 10 workstations, visitors can explore various technologies through "hands-on, minds-on" activities that model real-world aviation challenges. Students can experiment with microgravity and aeronautics.
"The whole goal is to get kids interested in math, science and technology at an early age," said George Bailey, UM’s assistant to the vice president for research and liaison to NASA.
In addition to showcasing its research, Bailey said he expects NASA will also present its vision for the future.
Reporter Jane Rider can be reached at 523-5298 or at [email protected].
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