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Mitigating Microgravity-Induced Calf Muscle Loss in Astronauts:
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration reports that astronauts in microgravity environments lose up to 16 percent of their calf muscle volume and between 20 to 29 percent force output in their lower legs, which increases astronaut risk of overexertion and causes muscular damage when re-experiencing gravitational forces.
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose
This project aims to mitigate muscle loss in the Soleus and Gastrocnemius muscles of the calf during spaceflight, providing a countermeasure synergetic to those currently employed on the International Space Station. Doing so will ultimately reduce the risk of future missions to celestial bodies and stations beyond the Earth’s gravity both during and after this dawning era of space exploration.
Click below to access the three stages of the Engineering Design Process for this project:
About Me:
I am Cesar Meza, an avid advocate of space exploration and an aspiring Research and Development engineer. As a member of the Technology Student Association, I have engaged in Engineering Design research for the past four years, working on solutions such as a Hand-held Environmental Analysis Tool for astronauts (2018), a capillary-based water filtration system for developing countries (2020), a Polyacrylonitrile Air Diffusion Dome to mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution across the globe (2021), and my team's national award-winning Solar Silk organic photovoltaic system (2019). In April 2020, I joined Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Jorge Muñoz's Density Functional Theory cohort at the University of Texas at El Paso, where I conducted research on applying mathematical networks in Python to simulate programmable matter. I presented my work at the UTEP Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiative, earning the Rising Researcher Best Poster Presentation award. Moreover, I had the honor of presenting my research at the March 2021 American Physical Society Conference as an undergraduate presenter.
The majority of my research aims to tackle the various facets and intricacies of space exploration, and it is in the field of experimental aerospace technologies that my passions lie. Because I am infatuated with space, I also feel it is my duty to promote student STEM awareness. My freelancing public speaking has left me with the pleasure of speaking on behalf of NASA for two live educational outreach events on YouTube and once for the Technology Student Association at a multidistrict-wide training for incoming technology teachers.
Labor Apud Inspirante, Numquam Metu
Cesar Meza - May 2021
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