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Online Discussion with Dr. Thomas B. Spencer and Dr. Eloi Camprubí-Casas
Thomas B. Spencer, Eloi Camprubí-Casas, María González, and Jesús Alférez
Written by María González
Photography by Jesús AlférezDr. Thomas B. Spencer, hosted an online discussion with Dr. Eloi Camprubi-Casas, astrobiologist at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). The conversation delved into Camprubi’s research on the origin of life and the conditions of icy worlds in the solar system.
Spencer opened the discussion by expressing his enthusiasm for the conversation, stating: “We’ve got an excellent conversation today with Dr. Eloi Camprubi, who has got some amazing science he’s working through.”
Camprubi began by explaining the broad scope of his field: “Astrobiology as defined by NASA is the study of life's origin, evolution, and distribution across the universe. There are chemists, geologists, mathematicians, and engineers all contributing to space exploration missions, and their work falls under the umbrella of astrobiology,” he shared.
His research focuses on two key areas: the origin of life on Earth and the detection of life beyond Earth. He described his lab's work on understanding “how geochemistry becomes biochemistry and why life emerges in a planet that was devoid of life to start with.” Additionally, Camprubi’s lab investigates the detection of molecules in space, exploring whether their presence signals a biosphere or is simply the result of non-biological processes.
When asked about his journey into astrobiology, Camprubi recalled his early passion for space, saying, “Since I was a kid, I loved learning about space. I remember reading all of these encyclopedias back in Barcelona, Spain.” However, he eventually found a deeper interest in biology than in physics, which led him to pursue biomedical sciences before discovering his passion for astrobiology during a symposium on the origin of life.
Spencer highlighted one of Camprubi’s recent achievements—a NASA grant for simulating the icy surfaces of Europa. Camprubi described the ambitious project, named Boreas, a vacuum chamber built to mimic conditions on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus. “We call it Boreas, in honor of the ancient Greek god of the cold north wind, because we need to simulate very cold temperatures—minus 200 degrees Celsius,” he explained. The project aims to analyze chemical processes on these moons, providing valuable data for future NASA missions like the upcoming Europa Clipper.
The discussion also touched on the relevance of Camprubi’s work to future space exploration. With Europa Clipper set to launch in the coming years, Camprubi noted the practical applications of his research: “Our data can be used to tell NASA, ‘Look for these types of molecules during flybys.’” He highlighted the importance of understanding the chemical composition of icy worlds to distinguish between organic molecules originating from space and those from beneath the ice, where a potential alien biosphere could exist.
Additionally, Camprubi highlighted exciting opportunities for UTRGV students, including collaborations with major research institutions like the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) in San Antonio and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). “Now I’m writing plenty of other grants. Some of them have already been submitted where basically, if I get these grants, some of our students are going to go to JPL, or are going to go to Southwest Research Institute,” he said. This work, he added, opens the door for UTRGV students to “work on hands-on space science and space exploration, which is really exciting for me, and I believe for UTRGV students too.”
As the interview concluded, Camprubi encouraged students interested in space sciences to consider UTRGV, noting the university’s growth and impact in the field. “We are skyrocketing,” he stated confidently, pointing to UTRGV’s new South Texas Space Science Institute as a hub for future research and innovation.
Media Contacts
María González Communications Manager, Division of Research, UTRGV maria.gonzalez6@utrgv.edu (956) 665-5852
Jesús Alférez Internal Communications Specialist, Division of Research, UTRGV jesus.alferez01@utrgv.edu (956) 665-7908
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Online Discussion with Dr. Thomas B. Spencer and Dr. Seratna Guadarrama Beltran
Thomas B. Spencer, Seratna Guadarrama Beltran, María González, and Jesús Alférez
Written by María González
Photography by Jesús Alférez
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – NASA Solar System Ambassador and UTRGV Associate Vice President for Research Operations, Dr. Thomas B. Spencer, recently conducted an online discussion with Dr. Seratna Guadarrama Beltran, an expert in space microbiology at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). The conversation Dr. Guadarrama Beltran’s groundbreaking research, its impact on space exploration, and opportunities for students to grow their careers in space sciences.
Spencer opened the interview by introducing Guadarrama Beltran and highlighting the significance of her work, stating, “She is going to be talking about some of her amazing work and how it affects space sciences, and even better, how it can grow the careers of some students.”
Guadarrama Beltran began by outlining her primary area of expertise: “My area of expertise is found within the field of space microbiology, and my primary research is focused on how bacterial pathogens respond to environmental stressors, including altered gravity or spaceflight conditions.” She has worked extensively with bacteria and human cells under microgravity and other stressors.
Guadarrama Beltran shared key examples of her research, including her involvement with NASA’s Space Shuttle Transportation System (STS-95), where she studied how spaceflight affected human lymphoblastoid cells. “One of the major highlights in my career was assisting in assembling the experimental payload that flew in STS-95,” she said, adding that this mission also carried astronaut and senator John Glenn. “He was one of the first astronauts in the space program, and later, as a senior, he flew this mission because he was in such good physical condition.”
She also discussed her research on “Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterium, to understand how it responded to simulated microgravity conditions.” Her work revealed how the virulence, or the bacterium’s ability to infect a host, changed in space conditions. “We found several things in that study, and that project was also funded by NASA,” she noted. Another significant project involved “investigating the effect of low oxygen conditions on the virulence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium,” funded by Science Foundation Ireland.
“Virulence increased under these stressful conditions, which showed us how important it is to study these effects for future space missions,” she explained. She also noted that microbes’ resilience in space is a growing area of concern for NASA: “Microbes are resilient and can weaponize themselves in space, increasing their virulence.”
Turning to her current work, Guadarrama Beltran mentioned a recent award: “Not too long ago, our research group, which is composed of medical students, received an award for their oral presentation at the UTRGV College of Science Annual Research Conference.” Their research examines the interaction between oral microbiota and environmental stressors, which has important implications for astronaut health. “We’re studying how these interactions may play a role in neural degeneration and how environmental stressors could be managed to minimize this degeneration,” she added.
When asked about how her work impacts the broader field of space exploration, Guadarrama Beltran emphasized the importance of understanding microbes in space: “It’s crucial for NASA to ensure that we sterilize spacecraft and probes to minimize contamination, but it’s also important to understand that microbes are tough—there’s no such thing as 100% clean,” she explained. “We know from the Apollo missions that some microbes even survived on the moon. This shows just how resilient microbes are and why it’s essential to study them.”
Spencer praised her work, noting, “As we go back to space, understanding how microbes work is crucial, and your research is vital to future space exploration.”
Guadarrama Beltran also shared her personal journey, tracing her inspiration back to her childhood in Mexico. At a young age, she wrote to renowned scientist Dr. Carl Sagan, asking how she could pursue a career in the space sciences. “To my surprise, I got a response from him,” she said, explaining how Sagan’s encouragement led her to study microbiology and space biology. “He told me that I should go into microbiology or biochemistry to be prepared at a fundamental level in case we do find life beyond Earth—and if not, I’d still have marketable skills.”
Her passion for inspiring the next generation is evident in her work with students at UTRGV: “One of the main reasons I came back to Texas after working abroad was to make a difference in the communities here, especially for young minds from minority backgrounds,” she said. “I want to show them that a career in space sciences is not beyond their reach, and that they can explore their curiosity and make their mark in the world.”
Guadarrama Beltran is also working on developing future collaborations: “We’re in a very fortunate position, with SpaceX just around the corner. I’m working on a partnership with SpaceX to further connect our students with space science opportunities.”
Spencer concluded the interview by commending her commitment: “Be brave. You reached out to Dr. Sagan, and now you’re inspiring the next generation. Students, reach out, ask questions, and find your champion.”
For more information on NASA’s Solar System Ambassador program, visit NASA’s website.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Maria.Gonzalez6@utrgv.edu Communications Manager, Research Communications | (956) 665-5852
Jesus.Alferez01@utrgv.edu Internal Communications Specialist, Research Communications | (956) 665-7908
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Online Discussion with Dr. Thomas B. Spencer and Dr. Tian Y. Dong
Thomas B. Spencer, Tian Y. Dong, María González, and Jesús Alférez
Written by María González
Photography by Jesús Alférez
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS– Dr. Thomas B. Spencer, Associate Vice President for Research Operations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and NASA Solar System Ambassador recently held an online discussion with Dr. Tian Y. Dong, an Assistant Professor in Geomorphology at UTRGV's School of Earth, Environment, and Marine Sciences. The discussion is part of a series aimed at bringing space science closer to the community, offering insights into the latest research in space exploration and geomorphology.
Dong discussed his research in geomorphology, focusing on how landscapes change over time due to physical and chemical processes. His work involves studying evidence of ancient water flows on Earth and other planets, such as Mars, to understand past hydrological cycles and climate conditions. This research has implications for both Earth and space science, highlighting the universal principles of physics that apply across the solar system.
Additionally, Dong talked about a recent $1.2 million grant from NASA aimed at training the next generation of STEM professionals. This initiative will enhance UTRGV's curriculum in earth and environmental sciences and provide students with internship opportunities at NASA centers. The program is designed to improve students' skills and prepare them for careers in STEM fields.
During the discussion, Dong also outlined his future research goals, including studying the Rio Grande's evolution and the impact of human activity on its geomorphology. This work relies on data from NASA satellites, emphasizing the link between space exploration and Earth science.
The interview concluded with a discussion on the importance of STEM education and the role of science and art in understanding the world. Dong encouraged students to pursue STEM courses and highlighted the value of scientific knowledge in debunking misinformation.
This interview with Dr. Dong reinforces UTRGV's commitment to research and education in space and Earth sciences, promoting scientific literacy within the community. Through Dr. Spencer's role as a NASA Solar System Ambassador, UTRGV serves as a bridge between NASA's missions and the Rio Grande Valley, enhancing understanding of our place in the cosmos.
For more information about the NASA Solar System Ambassador program, visit, https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/ambassadors/2480/.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Maria.Gonzalez6@utrgv.edu Communications Manager, Research Communications | (956) 665-5852
Jesus.Alferez01@utrgv.edu Internal Communications Specialist, Research Communications | (956) 665-7908
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Online Discussion with Dr. Thomas B. Spencer and Dr. Volker Quetschke
Thomas B. Spencer, Volker Quetschke, María González, and Jesús Alférez
Written by María González
Photography by Jesús Alférez
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – In an effort to bridge space science and community engagement, Dr. Thomas B. Spencer, Associate Vice President for Research Operations at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and a newly appointed NASA Solar System Ambassador, conducted an online discussion with astrophysicist Dr. Volker Quetschke. The discussion, part of a series aimed at bringing the wonders of space science closer to the Valley community, offers an in-depth look at the cutting-edge developments in space exploration and astrophysics.
Quetschke, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UTRGV, shared his experience in experimental astrophysics, highlighting his contributions to gravitational wave detection and space technology. His work, which encompasses ground-breaking developments in laser systems, gravitational wave detectors, and the potential for new observatories on the Moon, sheds light on the complex workings of the universe.
As the associate dean for research and graduate programs, Quetschke emphasized the crucial role of student involvement in these pioneering projects. He spoke about the opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students in this dynamic field, underlining the practical, hands-on nature of physics and its applications in space science.
Spencer, facilitating the discussion, brought attention to the broader impact of Dr. Quetschke’ s work on understanding the universe and the potential advancements in space exploration. The conversation touched upon the historical significance of gravitational wave detection and its implications for future research, particularly the ambitious plans to establish observatories on the Moon.
This interview not only highlights UTRGV's commitment to cutting-edge research in space science but also underscores the university's role in fostering scientific curiosity and education within the community. Spencer's role as a NASA Solar System Ambassador serves as a bridge between NASA's groundbreaking missions and the Rio Grande Valley, promoting a greater understanding of our place in the cosmos.
For more information about Dr. Spencer and the Solar System Ambassador program, please visit https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/ambassadors/2480/.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Maria.Gonzalez6@utrgv.edu Communications Manager, Research Communications | (956) 665-5852
Jesus.Alferez01@utrgv.edu Internal Communications Specialist, Research Communications | (956) 665-7908
