C-BER: Center for Bionanotechnology and Environmental Research

Olufisayo Jejelowo, Ph.D., Principal Investigator,

Dept. of Biology, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004
Phone: 713-313-1032 - Fax 713-313-7932

SUMMARY 

Texas Southern University (TSU), the second largest Historically Black College and University, and its new administration strongly supports the NASA C-BERand will employ a team of faculty from the departments of biology, chemistry, mathematics; and colleges of business, education, law and public affairs to support outcome one of the NASA Education Strategic Framework. The team will build strategic partnerships with educational and commercial institutions, along with government employees, to train and educate students and postdoctoral fellows. NASA C-BER will integrate molecular biology, bioinformatics, bionanotechnology with chemical and biochemical analysis to address important environmental and human health concerns related to manned exploration of space. Techniques for  detecting, monitoring and controlling microorganisms will be developed; and  the  effects of microgravity, radiation and other space travel-induced stress factors on living organisms will be investigated with the intent of developing countermeasures. The research of C-BER is closely aligned with NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate and is relevant to all NASA’s mission directorates. Our successes will improve existing technologies and generate new inventions that increase speed and accuracy while decreasing cost. New technology developed or advanced will educate and drive the perception of what is possible in the realm of Space Life Sciences. Historically, synergism between science and technology has thrived at TSU as applied to microgravity induced stress and microbial detection/control.  In this current effort we will develop advanced technologies to enable novel solutions to the great health challenges facing humans during long-term space duration missions.  Overall we shall develop a future workforce in STEM fields; improve TSU’s research infrastructure and innovative partnerships; enhance astronaut and autonomous medical care; enhance technology transfers and commercialization; and improve quality of life on earth.

Technical Areas of Research 

The research of C-BER focuses on key environmental factors such as microgravity, radiation and other space travel-induced stress factors. We will investigate their additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects on living organisms. The research of C-BER closely aligns with Habitability and Environmental factors branch of the Space Life Sciences Division within the NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate; however, it is applicable to all of NASA’s mission directorates.

Microgravity and Radiation Research thrusts will study effects of microgravity changes and radiation on the cell at the genome, proteome, cell, tissue, organ, and organism levels. Investigators will identify biomarkers of stress factors and develop countermeasures to the stress effects.

Microbial Research thrust will develop bioassays and devices for microbe detection and monitoring, building upon current hardware being developed at various NASA Centers.  Researchers will analyze the genome, proteome, and growth kinetics. Changes in the morphology and virulence of organisms due to space travel will be examined. In addition, novel approaches for controlling microorganisms in confined environments will be developed.

Bio-nanotechnology, Bioinformatic thrust will develop biosensors for pathogen and microbe detection as well as chemo-sensors of environmental stress.

Workforce development thrust will provide training opportunities for students,  postdoctoral fellows and faculty to develop their knowledge and skills