Who We Are
Life is challenged by the extreme environments of spaceflight. The lower gravity levels in space and on the moon and Mars have a wide range of harmful effects on humans and other living organisms. Away from Earth, there is no air, food, and water apart from what we bring with us. Radiation levels are much higher in deep space than on Earth, posing significant health risks. These challenges must be faced if we are to explore the moon, Mars, and beyond.
Who We Are
In the Space Biosciences Division at NASA’s Ames Research Center, we perform the biological research and technology development necessary to tackle these challenges and enable NASA’s long-term human exploration mission.
Meet the SC Division Management Team
Parag Vaishampayan, PhD
Division Chief (Acting)
Amela Zanacic
Deputy Division Chief (Acting)
Yasaman Shirazi-Fard, PhD
Bioengineering Branch Chief
Tara Samuels
Flight Systems Implementation Branch Chief
Elizabeth Pane
Flight Systems Implementation Assistant Branch Chief
Christina Johnson, PhD
Space Biosciences Research Branch Chief
Ahleah Rohr Daniel PhD, MPH, CIH
Space Biosciences Research Deputy Branch Chief
Amy Gresser, PhD
Ames Space Biology Portfolio Manager
Medaya Torres
Ames Space Biology Deputy Portfolio Manager
Jonathan Galazka, PhD
Ames Space Biology Portfolio Scientist
Egle Cekanaviciute, PhD
Ames Human Research Program Project Manager