Partnered Research

For its scientific payloads, BioServe collaborates withboth internal and external researchers from NASA, academia, industry, and the international community. BioServe supports its partners' research by working with them to develop NASA-approved experiment hardware and procedures. BioServe is well-versed in developing space flight science payloads to ensure timely project completion and quality science results. All aspects of organizing, flying, and operating the experiment are covered by BioServe, allowing our partnered researchers to stay focused on the science and giving them confidence that their experiment will be carried out accurately.

Throughout our rich history and hundreds of life science research experiments, BioServe has developed a robust and diverse set of scientific and engineering expertise in the following areas:

  • Molecular Processes
  • Microorganisms
  • Microbial Systems
  • Vaccine Development
  • Immunology
  • Bioreactors and Organ-on-a-Chip Systems
  • Protein Crystallization
  • Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Muscle and Bone Loss
  • Materials Science
  • Rodent Research
  • Small Invertebrates and Insects

If you are a researcher interested in flying an experiment in these areas or related ones, the best time to contact us is before you submit a proposal to a funding body such as NASA or the ISS National Lab. BioServe has extensive expertise in working closely with researchers to develop spaceflight experiment proposals with a high probability of success. NASA and the ISS National Lab consider BioServe one of their premier implementation partners that can help a team develop, fly, and operate an experiment in space.

In-House Research

In addition to partnered research, BioServe houses several in-house researchers focused on different aspects of microgravity biology and biotechnology. In parallel with their own scientific endeavors, these researchers also perform project management and engineering roles in the support of partnered research. This close collaboration between science and engineering is unique to BioServe and is a key factor in our unparalleled track record of delivering publishable, high-impact space life sciences data.

  • Alexander Hoehn, PhD (Microgravity life science hardware engineering, satellite technology, plant physiology)
  • Tobias Niederwieser, PhD (Algal photobioreactor life support systems)
  • Louis Stodieck, PhD (Life sciences space flight experimentation, gravitational biology, cardiovascular physiology)
  • Luis Zea, PhD (Bacterial growth and resistance in space)
  • Stefanie Countryman, MA, MBA (Life sciences space flight experimentation)

Bioastronautics, within the Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) Department at CU-Boulder

BioServe is closely partnered with CU's Bioastronautics research focus area and academic program. This program encompasses the biological, behavioral and medical aspects governing humans and other organisms living in a space environment and includes vehicle design for space or planetary habitation. Bioastronautics spans the study (science) and support (engineering) of life in space. The fundamentals also extend into combustion sciences, gravitational fluid mechanics and materials processing in space through common analysis of the underlying gravity-dependent physical principles associated with each application. In addition to their academic studies, many students become involved with BioServe to acquire hands-on experience coupling the engineering design process with space life science research and biophysical analysis techniques.

Part of CU Boulder.

Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Specialized focus area.

Bioastronautics