University Research Centers-Microbial-1 (URC-Microbial-1)
Research Area: Student-Developed Investigations
Expedition(s): 21 and 22
Principal Investigator(s): ● Olufisayo Jejelowo, PhD, Texas Southern University, Houston,
Texas
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
University Research Centers-
Microbial-1 (URC-Microbial-1)
evaluates morphological and
molecular changes in Escheria
coli and Bacillus subtilis in
microgravity. This
investigation is a proof-of-
concept model providing
spaceflight experience to
stimulate and excite
University Research Center
scientists and students at
Texas Southern University.
The experiment involves the
study of morphological and
molecular changes of Escheria coli and Bacillus subtilis microbes brought about by the
spaceflight environment.
EARTH BENEFITS
URC-Microbial-1 identifies ways in which microorganisms impact human health and life and
allow student from underrepresented minority university to explore research careers in space
and space science.
SPACE BENEFITS
This investigation is a part of a series of investigations to be conducted aboard the ISS to
provide the foundation for use of the ISS as a National Laboratory following assembly complete.
RESULTS
Each component of the experiment was designed to be reproduced easily in the classroom,
providing hands-on experience to the students who were involved. Postflight repeat
experiments were conducted in schools across the nation, and samples from this flight
experiment were shared among principal investigators in other institutions. Texas Southern
University developed courses incorporating the data into the microbiology curriculum.
This investigation is complete and all results are published.
Students in the Center for Bio-nanotechnology and Environmental Research
at Texas Southern University prepare samples for the URC-Microbial-1
investigation. Texas Southern University image.