Cherie Oubre
2017-03-03
I spend much of my day in the Microbiology Laboratory supporting International Space Station operations and the Human Research Program as the Microhost risk discipline scientist. I am currently supporting the Microbial Monitoring System hardware which was selected as part of the JSC 2X2015 hardware demonstration projects. The astronauts are running tests inside the space station to compare the functionality of a commercial molecular microbial identification technology to ground-based controls. As part of the flight preparation, I tested the reagent pouch to make sure the vacuum pressure was going to hold in a zero gravity environment.
I was able to confirm this test by conducting the experiment in a simulated zero gravity environment on a parabolic flight which provided a weightless state in several 20-30-second intervals. The ability to test in a zero gravity setting helps to verify the capability of different functions of the hardware.
Working at JSC is exciting in that I have the opportunity to make a difference, to challenge myself, and to both teach and learn from others as we share an important wealth of knowledge. It was thrilling to have the opportunity to witness my experiment launch successfully on SpaceX-9. It is equally fulfilling for me to have the opportunity to work on multiple projects with diverse groups of people every day.
I was able to confirm this test by conducting the experiment in a simulated zero gravity environment on a parabolic flight which provided a weightless state in several 20-30-second intervals. The ability to test in a zero gravity setting helps to verify the capability of different functions of the hardware.
Working at JSC is exciting in that I have the opportunity to make a difference, to challenge myself, and to both teach and learn from others as we share an important wealth of knowledge. It was thrilling to have the opportunity to witness my experiment launch successfully on SpaceX-9. It is equally fulfilling for me to have the opportunity to work on multiple projects with diverse groups of people every day.