Alexus Goes to Space Camp!

One of our undergraduates, Alexus Cazares, was one of two University of Arizona seniors chosen to participate in a pilot program for Space Camp at Biosphere 2 (SPB2). This emerging program is a collaboration between University of Arizona's Biosphere 2 and Kyoto University. Professors from Kyoto University have designed a five-day research intensive program, called Space Camp, that has been occurring in Kyoto for the past five years. Now, these professors are collaborating with the University of Arizona to expand their Space Camp internationally. Two UA NASA Space Grant Interns, Alexus Cazares and Cathryn Sephus, and three students from Kyoto University were selected to participate in the first ever Space Camp at Biosphere 2. During this pilot program, students learned about astronomy, exoplanets, atmospheric dust, the hydrological cycle, human space activities, and what it is like to work in an enclosed environment. Students also worked in teams to conduct mini experiments in the human controlled biomes at Biosphere 2. Alexus had the unique opportunity to work with and learn from students and professors from Kyoto University; including Japanese astronaut and veteran of two NASA space shuttle missions, Dr. Takao Doi. At the end of the pilot program, students presented their research to the Arizona Space Grant Consortium, the staff at Biosphere 2, and faculty members from University of Arizona. Alexus and the Space Crew also spoke about their experiences and provided feedback that will help the professors and staff at Biosphere 2 as they prepare for the six-day Space Camp that will be occurring in August.