Spring 2026 Awardees Announced

Curriculum Development Grant

Chetan Jaiswal
Quinnipiac University
Scientific Computing for Modern Science and the Quantum Era

This proposal supports development of the interdisciplinary course, “Scientific Computing for Modern Science and the Quantum Era”, designed to help students use computation as a practical tool for doing science. The course will teach students to turn scientific ideas into working code, with emphasis on numerical methods, simulation, probability, linear algebra, differential equations, and data driven modeling. Students will apply these methods to problems drawn from physics and modern scientific inquiry, while building the mathematical foundation needed to understand where to use quantum computing. The course advances NASA-relevant STEM education by strengthening computational problem solving, modeling, and interdisciplinary scientific preparation.

Kruti Shah
Quinnipiac University
Development of an AI-Driven Software Engineering Curriculum for Intelligent and Autonomous Systems

This project proposes the development and pilot implementation of a new course, AI-Driven Software Engineering, offered under the SER375 Special Topics framework at Quinnipiac University. The course provides undergraduate and graduate students with structured, project-based training in integrating artificial intelligence into the software engineering lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and evaluation. The curriculum emphasizes intelligent and autonomous systems, real-time data processing, responsible AI, and system reliability. The proposed work aligns with NASA priorities in autonomy, scientific data analysis, and human-centered intelligent systems, while preparing students for emerging careers in aerospace, software engineering, and advanced computing fields.

Faculty Project Grant

Gengyun Le-Chan
University of Hartford
Exercise as a Countermeasure to Vascular and Skeletal Dysfunction in Type 1 Diabetes under Earth and Spaceflight-Relevant Conditions

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) impairs vascular integrity and skeletal health, risks that may be exacerbated under microgravity. This project investigates the effects of exercise on vascular function, blood flow dynamics, and bone outcomes in the non-obese diabetic mouse model, including under simulated microgravity conditions. We will assess structural, functional, and molecular adaptations to identify mechanisms underlying exercise for vascular and skeletal protection. This work aligns with NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate by evaluating exercise as a countermeasure to mitigate cardiovascular deconditioning and bone loss, supporting astronaut health during long-duration missions while informing therapeutic strategies for individuals with T1D on Earth.

Mohammad Rahman
Central Connecticut State University
Solar Charging Effects on Lithium-ion Battery Degradation: A Charging-Aware SOH Modeling Approach

Lithium-ion batteries are critical for aerospace energy storage systems, powering CubeSats, small satellites, and planetary rovers. In these environments, intermittent solar charging and eclipse cycles create highly variable charging–discharging patterns and thermal fluctuations that accelerate battery degradation. Accurate prediction of State of Health (SOH) under such conditions is essential for mission reliability and extended operational lifetime. Building upon our prior NASA Connecticut Space Grant project, “Predicting Li-Ion Battery State of Health using Ensemble Machine Learning,” this proposal develops a charging-aware SOH model that integrates real-world solar charging profiles and thermal effects. The project introduces a low-cost, bench-top solar emulator testbed capable of replicating space-like day/night cycles and solar power variability. Supported by an instrument package well within budget, this work will generate new experimental data to improve SOH prediction accuracy for future NASA missions.

Kiwon Sohn
University of Hartford
High Torque and Low Inertia Joint Development for Full-sized Humanoid Platform

The project aims to develop a revolute joint capable of safely actuating a length- variable link in full-sized humanoids. Traditional fixed-body mechanisms limit humanoids from using tools and vehicles with different kinematic structures. To address this, kinematically reconfigurable links were developed to adapt the robot to different workspaces. However, extending these links increases torque requirements and movement inertia. Therefore, a specialized joint is needed to counter these effects and stabilize motion during tasks such as vehicle operation. This advancement would enable humanoids to safely and adaptively control the Luna Terrain Vehicle, supporting astronauts ((Extravehicular Activity & Human Surface Mobility in ESDMD).

Faculty STEM Education Programming Grant

Grace McKenzie-Smith
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan Science Camp 2026

A group of faculty members from Wesleyan’s natural science and mathematics, in partnership with Middletown Public Schools, run a one-week “Wesleyan Science Camp” for underserved elementary schoolers from Middletown, CT, and the surrounding communities. The camp is designed to teach approximately 50 students aged 9-12 years old about the science that surrounds them in their daily lives, while also exposing them to (1) scientific concepts and vocabulary, (2) equipment and experiments, and (3) a broad set of scientist role models, including both faculty and Wesleyan and local high school science students. Campers explore a large range of scientific topics including neural activity, renewable energy, and biochemistry through hands-on activities and science-inspired art projects. Our goal is for students to exit the program excited about science and with the feeling that they, too, can be scientists.

Viktoria Savatorova
Central Connecticut State University
Design, Test, and Validate: A Balloon-Powered Vehicle Challenge in Aeronautics and Mathematical Modeling.

This project implements a two-day balloon-powered vehicle challenge at CCSU. Day 1 engages undergraduate students in team-based design, testing, and mathematical modeling of balloon-driven cars using physics, differential equations, and data analysis under standardized, controlled conditions. Winning teams serve as judges and mentors for a Day 2 high school competition focused on engineering design, data collection, and performance optimization. The project aligns with NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate by engaging students in hands-on propulsion, vehicle dynamics, and data-driven problem solving, while strengthening the STEM pipeline through experiential learning and peer mentorship.

Robert Sheftel
CT State – Naugatuck Valley
2026 STEM Maker Lab: A Summer Hands-On Tech Experience for students at CT State Naugatuck Valley

This updated proposal builds upon the foundational success of last year’s NASA-funded initiative, incorporating strategic enhancements to the curriculum and technical scope. The primary evolution of the program is its new role as a Critical Bridge, specifically designed to close the gap between general STEM interest and the specialized technical skills mandatory for professional drone development.

Aligned with NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, the STEM Maker Lab at CT State Naugatuck Valley empowers CT State Colleges students from the local community to explore STEM through immersive, project-based learning. Inspired by the energy and creativity of maker spaces, the program will offer experiences in coding, AI, soldering, 3D design, 3D printing, and electronic circuitry, while also integrating Digital Graphic Arts. Participants will not only build and assemble tech projects—they will document and showcase their work through multimedia content creation, cultivating both technical and creative skill sets.

Faculty Research

Amin Abou Ibrahim
University of Hartford
A field-theoretic model of the dark sector in the era of cosmological tensions

We propose a field-theoretic model of cosmology where holographic dark energy couples to a scalar field dark matter. The relevant background and perturbation equations of the interacting species are derived and then solved numerically. Constraints on the free cosmological parameters of the model are extracted using Bayesian inference and complemented by machine learning techniques to expedite the exploration of the model parameter space. The obtained results are used to assess the ability of the model to alleviate the Hubble tension and explain the evolving nature of dark energy, two of the key open questions in cosmology today.

Junnan Cao
Central Connecticut State University
Thermally Activated Self-Healing Geopolymer Liners for Resilient and Erosion Resistant Infrastructure

This project develops and validates a thermally activated self-healing geopolymer liner for reusable rocket launch pad infrastructure. Embedded thermoplastic healing agents autonomously seal micro-cracks under rocket plume thermal cycles, restoring structural stiffness and erosion resistance. Using fly ash and metakaolin matrices, the system targets ≥ 75% stiffness recovery and ≥ 60% compressive strength recovery post-healing. This work directly supports NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) by advancing resilient, extreme-environment materials, and the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) by addressing launch pad degradation critical to Artemis operations. Concepts are directly transferable to autonomous infrastructure repair for future lunar and Martian surface systems.

Michelle Chen
Wesleyan University
Promoting Intramolecular Triplet-Triplet Energy Transfer in Covalent Triads for Solar Cell Applications

Triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) can be leveraged to improve the theoretical conversion efficiency of solar cells; however, solid-state TTA-UC systems have limited molecular diffusion, which prevents efficient triplet-triplet energy transfer (TTET) and limits TTA-UC efficiency. The proposed project focuses on synthesizing and characterizing TTA-UC triads capable of intramolecular TTET. The terminal chromophore of the triads will act as an energy sink to prevent competing back energy transfer processes. The overarching goal is to understand how to tune TTA-UC systems to promote efficient TTET and thus TTA-UC, which will benefit solar cell applications relevant to the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

Sai Sandeep Dammati
University of Connecticut
Intrinsic Flame Acceleration in Unconfined Hydrogen Flames

Unconfined hydrogen flames may self-accelerate through intrinsic hydrodynamic and thermo-diffusive instabilities to speeds relevant to propulsion safety and deflagration-to-detonation risk in NASA hydrogen-based propulsion systems. This project will use high-fidelity three-dimensional direct numerical simulations to quantify intrinsic flame acceleration in lean hydrogen-oxygen and hydrogen-air spherical flames, determine how acceleration depends on the reactivity of the mixture, and identify the governing mechanisms. The results will provide the first high-fidelity database for unconfined hydrogen flame acceleration and directly support NASA’s Space Technology and Aeronautics Research Mission Directorates and their hydrogen combustion safety goals.

Mihai Duduta
University of Connecticut
Sounding Rocket Testing of Astronaut and Space Hardware

The project proposes a flight demonstration of two space technologies aboard a sounding rocket: (a) An external, soft actuator integrated onto an astronaut glove to reduce crew workload during extravehicular activity (EVA). (b) A low-cost, readily deployable thermochromic spintronic material system for passive and active thermal sensing in space. Both materials and systems are of interest to NASA / JPL, and will have been demonstrated in a high altitude flight to the Stratosphere before the proposed sounding rocket demonstration. The sounding rocket platform will provide a relevant space environment—low pressure, radiation exposure, vibration, and microgravity—for validating performance.

Ni Feng
Wesleyan University
Harnessing Hibernation Mechanisms to Combat Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Space

Microgravity-induced muscle atrophy is a significant health threat faced by astronauts during space exploration. Remarkably, hibernating mammals experience little muscle atrophy despite 8 months of muscle disuse. This project harnesses the unique physiology of hibernating 13-lined ground squirrels, mammals that naturally resist muscle wasting, to examine muscle function and motor performance under extreme atrophic conditions during hibernation. We will also test the importance of the anabolic steroid hormone, testosterone, on motor function and muscle anatomical preservation in hibernation. This project supports NASA’s mission of improving astronaut health and safety, as well as inducing ‘human stasis’ for long-term space travel.

Yuri Gloumakov
University of Connecticut
Inflatable-Coil Mechanism for Grasping, Bracing, and Locomotion

This project evaluates an inflatable-coil mechanism inspired by the party blower as a low-cost, lightweight actuator for grasping, bracing, and crawling on granular media and rocky terrain relevant to planetary exploration. Commercial devices will be characterized to validate force models and identify optimization parameters, followed by fabrication and testing of improved prototypes in regolith-analog scenarios. The work supports NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) priorities for deployable mechanisms and mobility systems. Results will provide feasibility data and prototype performance metrics to support future proposals to programs such as NASA NIAC or NASA ROSES.

Suk Bum Kwon
University of New Haven
Hybrid Manufacturing of Functional Metal Surfaces

This project investigates hybrid-manufactured SS316L metal surfaces for passive condensate transport and collection in space-relevant thermal and fluid management systems. In spacecraft humidity control systems, condensate formed on cold heat exchanger surfaces may not drain effectively under reduced-gravity or microgravity conditions. This project explores whether metal additive manufacturing and CNC machining can be combined to engineer surface roughness, wetting behavior, capillary retention, and guided droplet transport. By selectively retaining 3D-printed surface features and introducing CNC-machined patterns, the project aims to identify surface conditions that improve droplet movement toward a designated collection region and support future condensate management technologies.

Yingcui Li
University of Hartford
Integrating Multiple AI Models to Standardize Growth Plate Zonation and Proliferation Analysis for NASA Mission Driven Discovery of Skeletal Health

Astronaut skeletal health remains a NASA-relevant challenge for long-duration missions because altered gravity disrupts bone formation, remodeling, and repair. This project will develop a multimodal AI pipeline that integrates U-Net tissue-zone segmentation with Cellpose cell-level detection to standardize quantification of growth plate zonation, DAPI/EdU proliferation profiles, and endochondral bone formation. Using registered cryohistology images and Has2/HA skeletal datasets, the project will generate reproducible, observer-independent metrics of cellular mechanisms controlling skeletal growth. The work will provide seed data for larger external proposals and train undergraduate researchers in space-relevant biology, quantitative imaging, and AI-enabled analysis.

Jim O’Connor
Connecticut College
Evolutionary Sensor Compression for Autonomous Robot Navigation

This project tests whether heavy sensor compression can make evolutionary control practical for autonomous robot navigation. The robot’s controller takes multimodal input from a depth camera, LiDAR, and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). For this research, each modality is compressed with discrete cosine transforms (DCT), wavelets, or principal component analysis (PCA) based transforms, then mapped to motor commands by a small affine controller optimized with covariance matrix adaptation-evolution strategies (CMA-ES). The main question is whether there is a useful compression regime for multimodal sensing: one that preserves enough structure for navigation while keeping the search space small enough for efficient evolutionary optimization. Performance will be compared against the ROS2 nav2 stack under nominal and degraded sensing conditions. The project also includes deployment on a physical mobile robot and direct undergraduate involvement in the development and utilization of the sensing and simulation pipeline.