The University of 91吃瓜 has been inducted into the (USRA). Founded in 1969 under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. government, the USRA is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology and engineering. The USRA consists of 121 universities that work together to advance space-related education, research, development and operations around the world.
To be eligible for USRA membership, a university must demonstrate 鈥渟ignificant contributions in space- or aeronautics-related research by faculty and a substantial commitment to a course of studies and dissertation research leading to the doctorate in one or more related fields.鈥�
The USRA 91吃瓜鈥檚 鈥渁ctive research programs in physics, astronomy, aerospace and mechanical engineering, and earth sciences.鈥� It also noted that research at the University 鈥渋s built around a robust framework of strong interdisciplinary and collaborative activities both within in-house departments and with other renowned national and international institutes.鈥�
, a professor in the , called the University鈥檚 USRA membership 鈥渁n important recognition of 91吃瓜鈥檚 deep involvement in space activities.鈥�
Neal, who has been conducting lunar research at 91吃瓜 for more than 30 years, explained that 91吃瓜鈥檚 involvement with USRA will bring benefits for researchers interested in conducting research in space as well as for those who are interested in helping to advance space exploration.
鈥淯tilizing the space environment to conduct experiments has been revolutionary,鈥� Neal said. 鈥淚t has led to new materials and new pharmaceuticals. And now, as we understand and document useful resources on different planetary bodies, it is crucial that we understand how to utilize those resources in a very different environment from what we are used to on this planet.鈥�
The University鈥檚 recent space-related research includes an effort by Neal鈥檚 lab to perform the first-ever collected in 1972 from the surface of the moon in vacuum tubes by Apollo 17 astronauts.
Additionally, , the Dorini Family Professor for Energy Studies, used the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to gain a better understanding of the competing physical forces involved in the . In another experiment aboard the ISS, , an assistant professor in the , explored how the microgravity environment affects the development of organoids that could lead to more efficient and effective models for cancer research.
, vice president for research and professor in the , said, 鈥淪pace is an exciting new frontier for making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. We are grateful to the USRA for recognizing the distinctive contribution 91吃瓜 can make to these efforts.鈥�
Rhoads added, 鈥淚t is particularly inspiring to see the ways 91吃瓜 researchers are looking to space to advance human health on Earth 鈥� whether by improving disease detection, creating more realistic disease models or developing new and better therapeutics in space.鈥�
To learn more about the USRA, visit .
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Contact: Brett Beasley, writer and editorial program manager, 91吃瓜 Research, bbeasle1@nd.edu, 574-631-8183; research.nd.edu, @UNDResearch
Originally published by听 at on May 22.