Tulane chapter of aerospace medicine students and residents tours NASA Michoud
Students who graduate from Tulane University School of Medicine go on to help people around the globe. Their reach could expand well beyond Earth’s surface one day. The need is growing for physicians and researchers in the air and space with endeavors such as NASA’s moon quest and the advent of space tourism, and Tulane is now home to a chapter of the Aerospace Medicine Student and Resident Organization (AMSRO).
Tulane AMSRO members recently visited the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where crews are building the Space Launch System for the Artemis II and III missions. The students toured the facility and talked to engineers and technicians about the importance of ensuring that every component is built to the highest standard. Even the smallest flaw could have catastrophic consequences during a mission.
The tour gave students an up-close look at NASA’s endeavors, and they’ll soon have an opportunity to talk with scientists and researchers about the many ways in which aerospace medicine plays a crucial role in keeping astronauts healthy and safe. NASA is preparing to send astronauts further into space for longer durations, and managing and maintaining their health is a top priority.
The trip to NASA Michoud inspired these students and residents, especially T2 Alex Suh. He spent last summer interning at NASA Johnson Space Center and hopes to combine his loves of space and medicine one day.
“Usually, I’m working in a lab on the data analysis side of human performance in spaceflight,” said Suh. “After seeing these massive rockets in-person, I’ve never felt more driven to continue pursing my efforts towards aerospace medicine.”
The students will head to NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi next month, where they'll take an exclusive tour of the facility and learn more about aerospace medicine.
