2019 ISSRDC Award: Providing a Unique, Hands-On Learning Experience for Middle and High School Students Interested in Chemistry and Crystallization

Each year, the International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development (R&D) Conference, held in coordination with the ISSInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the American Astronautical Society, highlights individuals who have pushed the boundaries of space-based research through the presentation of research awards. This week, we are spotlighting awardees in the category of “innovation,” honoring individuals who have leveraged the ISS to pioneer a new frontier in space-based science. Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Ilia Guzei of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, for innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

The Space Crystal Prize provides the winning team of students from the annual Wisconsin Crystal Growing Competition with an opportunity to take crystallization from their classroom to the ISS National Laboratory. Through this program, led by Dr. Guzei, students test their optimized conditions for Earth-based crystallization against microgravity-based crystallization by translating their ground-based experiments into a flight project to be conducted on the ISS National Laboratory. Through the program, students learn about crystallization techniques and the advantages of using microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. for crystal growth studies, comparing data from crystals grown on the ISS with ground-based results.