Human Performance Collaborative

Medicine in Space

This hybrid workshop will take place in-person in 115 Biomedical Research Tower (BRT) and online via Zoom, and will feature leading industry experts in space medicine. This workshop will explore how medical science supports astronaut health before, during, and after spaceflight, and how these insights translate back to healthcare innovations on Earth. Each presentation will be followed by interactive discussion, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and explore the future of medicine in space.
Event graphic for “Medicine in Space,” showing the event date, hybrid attendance options, partner logos, and images of medical procedures in space‑themed environments.

Meeting Details

When: February 13, 2026

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: 115 BRT or Zoom
(460 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210)

Featuring Leading Industry Partners

Understanding Human Health and Medical Innovation in Space

This is the next session of the Exploring Bioastronautics Research at Ohio State series, presented by the Human Performance Collaborative and Starlab. Join us on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, offered in a hybrid format with in‑person attendance in 115 Biomedical Research Tower (BRT) and a Zoom virtual option. This workshop will explore the physiological challenges of spaceflight and the medical innovations designed to safeguard astronauts while advancing healthcare on Earth.

Program Overview

Coffee and muffins will be available to in-person attendees.

9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Welcome and Introduction – Abigail Harrison, Starlab Research Lead, Mechanical and Space Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University

9:05 AM – 9:10 AM
Opening Remarks – Dr. Dave Williams, Director, Starlab/George Washington Carver Science Park; Professor, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University

9:10 AM – 9:20 AM
Opening Remarks – Dr. Josh Hagen, Faculty Director, Human Performance Collaborative; Research Associate Professor, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University

9:20 AM – 9:50 AM
Featured Speaker – Dr. Kenneth Mayuga, Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Cleveland Clinic

9:50 AM – 10:20 AM
Featured Speaker – Dr. Arun Sharma, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences; Director, Center for Space Medicine Research, Cedars-Sinai

10:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Keynote Speaker – Tim Kopra, Chief Human Exploration Officer, Voyager Technologies; Retired NASA Astronaut; Former International Space Station Commander, Expedition 47; Retired Colonel, U.S. Army

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Panel Discussion – Moderated by: Abigail Harrison,Starlab Research Lead, Mechanical and Space Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University

This session provides an in‑depth exploration of how spaceflight conditions affect human physiology and how medical systems evolve to meet the needs of astronauts in microgravity and high‑radiation environments. Topics will cover:

  • How microgravity leads to changes such as orthostatic intolerance, cardiac remodeling, altered blood pressure regulation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic stress.
  • The integrated roles of pre‑flight training, in‑flight medical monitoring, and post‑flight rehabilitation in ensuring mission success and astronaut wellbeing.
  • The broader value of space medicine research for life on Earth, including applications in pharmaceutical development, remote and telemedicine, aging research, cancer treatment, and other health technologies.

Kenyote Speaker:

Featured Speaker: