NASA’s Human Research Program director receives national recognition

On a recent afternoon at Johnson Space Center, Bill Paloski, Ph.D., director of NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP), spoke of HRP’s mission to protect the health and safety of astronauts. He reflected on some of the human hazards of space, including radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, altered gravity, and hostile/closed environments.

“We still have a lot to learn about these hazards,” Paloski said. “For instance, how long does it take for space radiation to damage the human body? When you’re isolated, and can’t get home or talk to your family, how long can you stay positive? NASA’s Human Research Program exists to ensure the safety of brave people who are navigating unfamiliar territory in very stressful conditions. We need this program and its research teams to develop strategies to protect our explorers and pioneers who represent the front line of our nation’s space program.”

Paloski’s dedication to improving the lives of this “front line” has provided benefit to other sectors of the federal government, including those who serve the nation in high-risk missions and those in our military services. In recognition of these benefits, Paloski recently received the prestigious Robert M. Yerkes Award for significant contributions to military psychology by a non-psychologist.

“This recognition is a tribute to the great work that the people supporting the HRP Elements have done. Characterizing and mitigating the risks posed by psychological factors to individuals engaged in expeditionary operations in high-demand, extreme environments, as well as those experiencing isolation or confinement for long periods of time, allows us to support safe, productive human space travel,” Paloski said.

Previous recipients of the Yerkes award have included Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Senator Daniel Inouye and Senator Elizabeth Dole.
 
Like Yerkes, Paloski’s award recognizes his promotion of psychology as a science of relevance to promoting the well-being of our society. Paloski’s vision has helped establish the value of psychological support to health on Earth, as well as in space.

To read more about Paloski’s work and this recent achievement, click here.