Event Recap

December 12, 2024 (January 10, 2025 Update)

The Dow High Space Farmers are filled with gratitude and excitement as we reflect on our time at the 40th American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Conference. Last week, our team representatives, Sophie Cai, Gabriel Nix, and Emma Huang, traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to showcase our research and connect with the broader scientific community.

Winning first place in the Middle/High School Poster Competitions was a moment of immense pride for our team. Our poster, "Balancing Nutrient Content and Nitrate Levels in Space Agriculture: Investigating LED Light and CO2 Effects on Space-Grown Vegetables," represented months of dedication. Using simulated NASA growth chambers and neutron-irradiated seeds provided by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's Growing Beyond Earth program in partnership with NASA, we focused on practical solutions to improve crop quality and reduce nitrate levels. One of the highlights of our presentation was a custom 3D-printed CO2 dispensation system replicating elevated carbon dioxide conditions.

Beyond the competition, attending the ASGSR Conference was an invaluable experience. We participated in professional presentations, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies in plant science. The insights we gained from these presentations have sparked new ideas and aspirations for future projects. Our time at ASGSR reinforced the importance of collaboration and perseverance in scientific research.

"Networking with experts like Dr. Massa inspired us to think about the directions of our research and broaden our perspectives," Sophie Cai shared.

Engaging with esteemed scientists was another highlight. "The chance to present our research and receive feedback from such professionals was amazing. It made us feel like we are truly part of the scientific community," Emma Huang reflected.

"Hearing from scientists such as Dr. Karl Hasenstein and Dr. Richard Barker was helpful, as their encouragement and advice motivated us to push the boundaries of what's possible," Gabe Nix shared.

DHSF participated in the Middle School/High School Students Meet the Scientists (STEM Day Activity)

DHSF's Networking with STEM Professionals and Space Researchers during the Poster Session

This experience wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support we received. Growing Beyond Earth program sponsored our trip with a $5,000 grant, providing access to resources that made our research possible. "The team's research and presentation today are a testament to NASA's commitment to nurturing young talent," noted Amy Padolf, the program's Education Director.

Additionally, NASA scientists Dr. Gioia Massa and Dr. Alexander Meyers offered invaluable remote guidance, while local educators Mrs. Christine Brillhart (Jefferson Middle School) and Lisa S. Tsay (Saginaw Valley State University) assisted with experimental design and data analysis. Their mentorship helped us bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Margaret Hitt, founder of the Dow High Space Farmers and a former team leader, expressed her gratitude: "This isn't just a win for our team—it's a win for the entire Midland community. It proves that students from our schools can make a real impact on the world and beyond."

During a post-conference interview on January 09, 2025, Padolf provided valuable feedback on Dow High Space Farmers’ presentation and performance. She praised the team’s confidence, passion, and ability to articulate their research clearly and engage meaningfully with experts. Padolf highlighted the alignment of DHSF's research with the conference’s goals, noting its role in fostering early student involvement in space research and advancing knowledge in the field. She also commended the team for their robust data collection and critical thinking skills, which exceeded expectations for citizen scientists. These qualities reflect the mission of the GBE program to prepare students for future scientific contributions, aligning with NASA's educational goals.

This event recap reminds us that the future of space exploration and scientific discovery is shaped by curiosity, determination, and the willingness to learn from every opportunity. With continued support from NASA, local educators, and our community, we're excited to continue demonstrating that groundbreaking innovation can thrive anywhere—even here in Midland.

As we move forward, we remain committed to advancing space science and inspiring future generations. Through our Astrobiology STEM Activation Program (ASAP), we're introducing K-8 students to the wonders of space science, aiming to ignite curiosity and innovation in young minds.

ASAP Lesson Plan

ASAP Activity: Kid's Day 2024

Conference Abstract

Conference References

Avercheva, O.V., et al. “Optimizing Led Lighting for Space Plant Growth Unit: Joint Effects of Photon Flux Density, Red to White Ratios and Intermittent Light Pulses.” Life Sciences in Space Research, vol. 11, 2016, 29–42.

Cantwell, M.; Elliott, C. Nitrates, Nitrites and Nitrosamines from Processed Meat Intake and Colorectal Cancer Risk. J. Clin. Nutr. Diet. 2017, 3, 27

Corliss, J. Nitrates in food and medicine: What’s the story? Harvard Health Publishing, 2022, February 1.

Ding, Z. et al, “Evolution of nitrate and nitrite content in pickled fruit and vegetable products. Food Control 2018, 90, 304–311.

Dowden, A. (2019). The truth about the nitrates in your food. Bbc.com; BBC Future.

Celina Gómez & Juan Jiménez, “Effect of end-of-production high-energy radiation on the nutritional quality of indoor-grown red-leaf lettuce.” Hortsci, 2020.

Hord, N. G., et al. Food sources of nitrates and nitrites: the physiologic context for potential health benefits. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2009.

Igarashi, Maaya, et al. “Revisiting Why Plants Become n Deficient under Elevated CO2: Importance to Meet n Demand Regardless of the Fed-Form.” Frontiers, 30.

Karwowska, M., & Kononiuk, A. (2020). Nitrates/Nitrites in Food—Risk for Nitrosative Stress and Benefits. Antioxidants, 9(3), 241. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030241

Lefer, D.J.et al, “Nitrite and Nitrate in Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury” In Nitrite and Nitrate in Human Health and Disease; Humana Press Totowa, NJ, USA, 2017; pp. 217–234.

Luetic, S. et al, “Leafy Vegetables Nitrite and Nitrate Content: Potential Health Effects” Foods, 2023

Massa, G. D., Wheeler, R. M., Morrow, R. C., & Levine, H. G. (n.d.). Growth Chambers on the International Space Station for Large Plants. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20160006558

Massa, G. D. et al, “Selection of Leafy Green Vegetable Varieties for a Pick-and-Eat Diet Supplement on ISS”. 45th International Conference on Environmental Systems (July 2015)

Mickens, M.A., et al. “Growth of Red Pak Choi under Red and Blue, Supplemented White, and Artificial Sunlight Provided by LEDs.” Scientia Horticulturae, vol. 245, (2019) 200–209.

Mickens, M. A., et al. “A Strategic Approach for Investigating Light Recipes for ‘Outrageous’ Red Romaine Lettuce Using White and Monochromatic LEDs.” Life Sciences in Space Research, vol. 19, 2018, 53–62.

Taub, D., “Effects of Rising Atmospheric Concentrations of Carbon Dioxide on Plants.” Nature Education Knowledge, 2010.

Yang, T. et al, “Dietary nitrate attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injuries by modulation of immune responses and reduction of oxidative stress”. Redox Biol. 2017, 13, 320–330.

Wright, R., “Carbon Dioxide for Plant Growth in Controlled Environments.” mineARC Systems, 2022.

Zou, T. et al. “Optimization of Artificial Light for Spinach Growth in Plant Factory Based on Orthogonal Test.” Plants (Basel, Switzerland). 2020.