Zac M.

Kinesiology Abstract: At WISRD, the Kinesiology Lab aims to create practical solutions to help astronauts and future space travelers stay fit in space. The lab is currently testing simpler and more affordable space exercise alternatives than NASA's current devices. The lab has been focusing on the use of resistance bands and isometric training devices, both of which are lightweight, independent, and easy to use, making them ideal for space missions. To collect data, the lab uses EMG sensors to compare these methods with traditional exercises commonly performed on Earth. 

Hydroponics Abstract: Over the past year, the WISRD Hydroponics Lab has undergone a complete redesign from the ground up. Building on nearly a decade of research within this lab, we developed a new Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system to reduce total water consumption, improving efficiency, nutrient distribution, and the quantity of plants growing at once. The updated system allowed us to expand our testable control groups from 9 plants to 24, improve airflow, and establish a true NFT system, where shallow, continuous nutrient solution flows over bare roots. This change reduced water usage by nearly half and expanded the lab’s ability to conduct parallel experiments. Following our first successful growth, we began fine-tuning system performance to ensure even and efficient growth across all channels. These adjustments support the broader goal of using the WISRD hydroponics system as a model for investigating environmental stressors. Similar to our previous experiments on rising salinity in California’s San Joaquin Valley, the Hydroponics group looks to explore sustainable solutions in the agriculture industry facing climate change.

Chemistry abstract : The Cyanoacrylate Synthesis lab strives to design a new procedure to synthesize cyanoacrylate glues safely and without incredibly low pressures. Currently, commercial super glues are formed with ethyl cyanoacetate and an aldehyde, a process requiring solvents we are unable to use. Other procedures that do not use carcinogenic solvents still need incredibly low pressure systems. With the limitations of highschool regulations and access to technology the only way to synthesize cyanoacrylate safely is by creating our own procedure. By the end of the year we plan to have a finalized a theoretical procedure for creating cyanoacrylates without the need for dangerous solvents or intense low pressures.