Valparaiso University Students Gain Valuable Research Experience Through Space Grant Funding

Earlier this year, Valparaiso University was named the recipient of Indiana Space Grant Consortium Funding for six separate projects — 100 percent of the projects Valpo professors proposed. The $102,520 total was primarily used to give students the opportunity to participate in real-world research diving into a variety of topics.

One new project over the summer was headed by Masaru Nakamoto, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, titled “Effects of Extraterrestrial Environment on Vertebrate Brain Development.” During this project, students simulated the effects of microgravity and an altered day-night light cycle to test the development of chicken embryos. Those factors play vital roles in the development of brain structures involved in the maintenance of body balance and the circadian cycle. The research will continue to be funded through 2025.

An ongoing project headed by Stan Zygmunt, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, Todd Hillwig, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy and Haiying He, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and astronomy, gave astronomy students the opportunity to look towards the stars. Titled “Planetary Nebulae as Ideal Astrophysical Laboratories,” the research revolved around unidentified bands of infrared light emanating from space that suggest the possibility of complex, gaseous molecules among the stars. 

Hunter Wood ’26, an astronomy major with a mathematics minor, came to Valparaiso University to pursue a degree in astronomy, and plans to continue his education at higher levels after graduation. This project has been a great hands-on opportunity for Wood to discover what he enjoys about the research process, and to learn about working in tandem with other researchers.

“It was super interesting to be able to take so much data that seems random and make a total sample with it,” said Wood. “Since I was not the only contributor to this specific piece of the project, it was important for me to talk regularly with the other members about the pieces of data that they had already collected.”

Several projects funded by the grant are ongoing works that aim to help keep astronauts healthy while in space. These include interdepartmental work by the biology and chemistry departments analyzing the antibacterial and antifungal properties of plants used in indigenous and folk healing practices. These collaborative projects teach students how to work with colleagues of different backgrounds, as well as other “soft skills” that will help students as they enter the workforce.

Astronauts also have to be cautious of the fungus that hitches a ride on their supplies. Research examining the fungus candida albicans being facilitated by Patrice Bouyer, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, looked at what causes the normally harmless species of fungus to develop properties harmful to humans. Treating those infections in the US alone has cost an estimated ~$7 billion annually, and the ongoing research project will help define the factors that cause the change in morphology. 

All student-involved research at Valparaiso University speaks to the commitment to fostering an ideal learning environment. The University seeks to enable its students to lead through experiential learning opportunities as described in the University’s five-year plan: Uplift Valpo, Our Beacon for the Journey Forward.