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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 CU �鶹ӰԺ 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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Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises'

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:34:32 +0000

Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises' Alexander Jame… Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:34

Colorado-based startup company Lunar Outpost, co-founded by AJ Gemer ((AeroEngr'10; MMechEngr'12; MAeroEngr'16), recently launched the country's first ever robotic rover designed to explore the moon. Now, they look to explore space in a new way, this time in collaboration with LEGO.

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Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:24:59 +0000

Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/31/2025 - 13:24

Professors Mark Borden and Mark Rentschler have been inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. The program is among the highest professional distinctions given to medical and biological engineers, representing the top 2% of these engineers around the world.

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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

CU �鶹ӰԺ 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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CU �鶹ӰԺ startup Mesa Quantum earns two major grants to improve navigation infrastructure

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

CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ-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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Mukherjee, Vance named 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:53:41 +0000

Mukherjee, Vance named 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows Alexander Jame… Thu, 03/13/2025 - 09:53

Assistant Professor Debanjan Mukherjee and Associate Professor Marina Vance have both been selected as 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows. The program supports faculty in achieving their research and innovation goals and promotes collaboration through tailored training, experiential learning and leadership development opportunities.

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Xiao earns prestigious membership in the National Academy of Inventors

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:16:42 +0000

Xiao earns prestigious membership in the National Academy of Inventors Alexander Jame… Wed, 03/12/2025 - 13:16

Alexander Servantez

Jianliang Xiao is a “mechanics of materials” expert launching innovations in soft materials and flexible electronics. His work recently earned him an exclusive spot amongst some of the most successful academic inventors in the world.

Jianliang Xiao, associate professor of mechanical engineering and senior member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

Xiao, an associate professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been selected as a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The program recognizes rising innovators who have had success securing patents, licensing and commercialization for developed technologies that showcase real impact on the welfare of society.

“I am extremely excited and honored to join this group of incredible innovators as a senior member,” said Xiao, who is also affiliated with the Materials Science and Engineering Program at CU �鶹ӰԺ. “Thank you to the students in my research group for their contributions. We see this not just as recognition, but as stimulation. It encourages us to work harder and make an even greater impact on society in the future.”

The induction comes on the heels of two recent patents that Xiao and his team in the Xiao Research Group have received. The first is a smart and comfortable in-ear device that can detect signals from the brain and facial area to help diagnose sleep disorders.

The second is a series of wearable electronic systems also designed for health monitoring purposes. Not only can they be worn, but they can also be recycled.

According to the World Health Organization, a record 62 million tons of electronic waste was produced globally in just 2022 alone. Xiao says this technology has the power to drastically reduce this number and make way for a cleaner global footprint.

“Our work is focused on a combination of smart materials and flexible electronics,” Xiao said. “Not only do we have patents for these technologies, but startup companies are working to commercialize them so that, hopefully in a few years, they can make a real impact on people’s lives.”

Xiao and his group will continue to fuel their inventive spirit. The team of inventors are actively seeking collaborations with other experts in various disciplines, including healthcare.

But despite his achievement, Xiao remains steady on one principle: it takes a vast ecosystem to have innovative and entrepreneurial success.

“Thank you to the people at the Research and Innovation Office and the Venture Partners at CU �鶹ӰԺ,” said Xiao. “They have offered tremendous support during my journey and nomination.”

This year’s cohort of NAI inductees is the largest since the program’s inception in 2018. Comprised of 162 emerging inventors from institutions across the nation, the collective group is named on over 1,200 U.S. patents.

The 2025 class of senior members will be officially celebrated during the Senior Member Induction Ceremony at NAI’s 14th annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 23-26.

Associate Professor Jianliang Xiao is a “mechanics of materials” expert launching innovations in soft materials and flexible electronics who has been selected as a senior member in the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The program recognizes rising innovators who have had success securing patents, licensing and commercialization for developed technologies that showcase real impact on the welfare of society.

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Colorado-based startup launch rover to explore lunar south pole

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:40:38 +0000

Colorado-based startup launch rover to explore lunar south pole Alexander Jame… Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:40

AJ Gemer (AeroEngr'10; MMechEngr'12; MAeroEngr'16) is the co-founder and chief technology officer of Colorado-based startup company Lunar Outpost. The team recently launched their new MAPP exploration rover, set to land on Thursday, March 6 at the lunar south pole, one of the most strategically and scientifically significant locations in space.

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