Dear Team,
Are we going to submit to this opportunity? If so, I am here and on your team. I look forward to your feedback. Here is the link:
13 Likes
I’d certainly be interested! I don’t have domain expertise in agriculture or nutrition necessarily, but I could help with any genetics-related aspects and the Python programming part of it.
3 Likes
I could contribute if there’s microbiome research but I am definitely more of a bacteria or animal over plant researcher. I am always curious and interested in promoting esprit de corp though!
2 Likes
I would love to be part of this. I am a biologist with experience in evolutionary ecology research and served as crew botanist on an analog mission. I was reading about the Challenge, when could we start meeting to develop the proposal?
1 Like
I checked out the website, seems plausible. I could even try to plug my students in with us if the University agrees. I nominate Dr. Aslinger to lead us in the charge.
1 Like
As a microbiologist and immunologist, I can contribute to the Mars Nutrition challenge by addressing how long-duration space diets interact with the gut microbiome and immune system- both of which are significantly altered during spaceflight. I’m particularly interested in developing nutrition strategies that help maintain microbiome stability, reduce immune dysregulation, and lower infection or inflammation risk under Mars mission constraints such as limited resupply and closed-loop food systems. This could include microbiome-informed menu design, immune-supportive nutrients, and evaluating the safety and benefits of fermented or microbially derived foods for long missions. I’d be excited to collaborate with the team to translate these biological insights into practical, mission-ready nutrition solutions that support crew health and performance.
2 Likes
I didn’t know your background, ma’am. This is excellent news! We might have enough preparedness to really pull together a winning chance here.
I’m interested as well! I’m currently an undergrad @ Stanford and have experience in Python/Machine Learning modeling for ecology. If there’s any open space I’d love to join 
1 Like
Hi all,
I am also interested in contributing. I have a background in microbiology and now I am doing my PhD in plant science.
Best regards,
Roly
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On Tue, Jan 27, 2026 at 1:47 PM Ishaan Gupta <notifications@osdr.discoursemail.com> wrote:
Someone sent you a PM. ishaangupta AIMLawg January 27 I’m interested as well! I’m currently an undergrad @ Stanford and have experience in Python/Machine Learning modeling for ecology. If there’s any open space I’d love to join
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I’m interested as well! I’m currently an undergrad @ Stanford and have experience in Python/Machine Learning modeling for ecology. If there’s any open space I’d love to join
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1 Like
Hi all,
I am interested, I am a recent graduate in Plant science. I have background in characterizing insect frass microbiome its affect as an organic amendment on plant’s growth and soil health. Furthermore, I have experience in managing plant trials, microbial ecology and HPC.
regards,
Jasmine
1 Like
Count me in! I’m the former PM for GeneLab/OSDR and Science Data Officer for NASA BPS and now director of Space Synthetic Bio at Pitt. I have one element for this proposal that could make a significant difference. When is it due and are they using a Step 1 triage?
3 Likes
I also am up for contributing. Professor/Scientist in Kansas, I help lead the plant-microbial AWG crossover. My lab works mostly on fungi that are in soil (recyclers) or plant-associated (symbionts), including responses to disturbance, multiple stresses, and in sustainable agriculture. Who is team lead? @svcostes et al here’s the timeline: https://innobear.floor23digital.com/contest/1E8OGp8N
1 Like
Hello, I am interested in contributing as well. I am a virologist and recently earned my Ph.D. from Emory University. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in a laboratory studying viral vectors in gene therapy. I recently wrote a comprehensive review on viral transmission and evolution in space, which is currently moving through the publication process. I would be glad to help with work related to how diet and nutritional factors may influence viral infections in humans. This area was included in my review, and I would welcome the chance to contribute if helpful.
1 Like
Hello all, I would be very interested in contributing to this effort. I am a postgraduate researcher with a strong focus on computational modeling, machine learning, and data-driven analysis in biological datasets. My work involves developing and validating ML/DL models for biological datasets, including multi-omics data integration, predictive modeling, and algorithm development for complex biological processes. I have hands-on experience in model development, data preprocessing, feature engineering, and interpretation of model outputs, and I am particularly interested in collaborative research where computational approaches can complement experimental or domain-specific expertise. I would be glad to contribute on the computational, modeling, or data-analysis side of the project and am happy to adapt to the team’s needs. Please let me know if my background could be useful or if there are specific areas where support is needed.
Best regards,
Amaan Arif
1 Like
Hello all,
I would be very interested in contributing to a team for the NASA Mars to Table Challenge. I am an educator and early-career researcher with an MS in Biochemistry, and I have a strong focus on computational biology, data science, and systems modeling as applied to biological systems.
My research experience includes molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, supplemented by hands-on training in synthetic biology and bioinformatics from NASA GeneLab. I am skilled in computational approaches for biological data, including multi-omics integration, metabolic modeling, and simulation-based analysis of biological systems—skills directly relevant to the BioSim platform and food system simulation required for this Challenge.
I am particularly interested in collaborative projects where computational and wet-lab expertise intersect to solve complex, integrated problems—such as designing a resilient, closed-loop food system for Mars.
I would be glad to contribute to the computational modeling, data analysis, nutritional profiling, or systems integration aspects of the project, and am happy to adapt to the team’s needs. Please let me know if my background could be useful or if there are specific areas where support is needed.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Muhammad Shabbir Ahmad
MS Biochemistry | Early-Career Researcher
2 Likes
Hi, I’m finishing up my Honors in 3D Printing and have become a bit obsessed with the logistics of feeding people in space. While most are focused on plastic or metal, I’ve been deep-diving into the physics of “food inks” and how to make printers cooperate for long-term missions.I’d love to jump in and help you turn these complex extrusions into a reality, so let me know if there’s a seat at the table for someone with my specific brand of chaos and expertise:)
2 Likes
Hey Ben I am doing team mycoburger… we need a food scientist! We can possibly expand our myco-offerings and work on a system.
We just published the first mycoponics paper and are manufacturing Lovastatin from medical grade mycelial exudates…
D. Marshall Porterfield Ph.D
Professor of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University
Science PI, NASA LEAF, SMD Artemis 3 Lunar Science Team
Fellow of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research
Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineers
Chief of Science and Founder, MyCo
Chief of Science, Eden Grow Systems
Innovation Advisor, NanoSkunkWorkX
porterf@purdue.edu
765.412.6792
I acknowledge the traditional homelands of the Indigenous People which Purdue University is built upon. I honor and appreciate the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Lenape (Delaware), Myaamia (Miami), and Shawnee People who are the original Indigenous caretakers.
···
From: Ben Sikes notifications@osdr.discoursemail.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:07:48 PM
To: D. Marshall Porterfield porterf@purdue.edu
Subject: [Open Science Data Repository Analysis Working Groups] [PM] Mars To Table: Feeding Mars. Transforming Earth
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I also am up for contributing. Professor/Scientist in Kansas, I help lead the plant-microbial AWG crossover. My lab works mostly on fungi that are in soil (recyclers) or plant-associated (symbionts), including responses to disturbance, multiple stresses, and in sustainable agriculture. Who is team lead? @svcostes et al here’s the timeline: https://innobear.floor23digital.com/contest/1E8OGp8N
Visit Message or reply to this email to respond to MultiOmicsAWG (672), Shankia1985.
To unsubscribe from these emails, click here.
1 Like
Incredible Marshall! Wish I was a food scientist. K-State has some of the best in my region, housed with the Food Science Institute.
Anything we can find to collab Mycoponics et al?
2 Likes
Hi all,
Consider joining the Space Nutrition Network - you’ll find lots of foodies there. Mainly nutritionists but have engineers, food scientists, bioregen, food tech or those with a general interest in space food. They are many looking to partner up there too.
Cheers
Jac
Find us on our socials.
2 Likes