Eagles Present Research at Florida Capitol 2024 Event

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students Kaitlyn Nielsen and Grayson Hayes presented their research to students, faculty and representatives from around the state at the Florida Undergraduate Research Association’s (FURA) Posters at the Capitol 2024 event.

“It was impactful seeing the inner workings of the Florida Capitol, and the students enjoyed the experience,” said Dr. Ronnie Mack, director of Embry-Riddle’s Office of Undergraduate Research, who accompanied the two students to the recent event held in Tallahassee, Florida.

Grayson Hayes, a sophomore Aerospace Engineering student, presented his research focused on improving novel forms of electric propulsion at the event. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Dr. Ronnie Mack)

Students had the opportunity to share their work with a diverse audience, said Mack, while improving their professional communication skills. They also learned more about the political process, including how to advocate for undergraduate research at the local and state governmental levels. Additionally, students were able to network with other researchers from around the state.

Nielsen, a senior Aerospace Physiology major with minors in Chemistry, Psychology and Human Factors, presented her research on drug treatments that could help regulate astronauts’ digestive systems while they are in space.

“We know that microbes grow differently in space, and this affects the gut microbiome of astronauts, causing inflammation,” she said. “So, in the nanomaterials lab, we decided to investigate how to make a low-dosage oral form of a medicine that could benefit astronauts while in orbit.”

She had the opportunity to present her research at the FURA event to Florida Senator Tom A. Wright, who represents District 14, which consists of parts of Brevard and Volusia counties.

“Presenting at conferences is a great way to build professional skills,” said Nielsen, who is from Springfield, Missouri. “Further, this experience has helped prepare me for graduate school. When interviewing for a Ph.D., they want to hear about the projects you've worked on, and it says a lot about your communication skills if you can successfully verbalize your complex ideas into smaller, manageable segments.”

Hayes, a sophomore Aerospace Engineering student, presented his research, which focused on improving novel forms of electric propulsion.

“More specifically, I am working to improve the lifespan of plasma thrusters,” said Hayes, who is from Anderson, South Carolina. “It is important because it could impact future long-distance space travel by providing a more reliable, more efficient method of propulsion.”

After earning his undergraduate degree, he plans to attend graduate school and then work in research and development related to propulsion and aerodynamics. 

“I gained more knowledge of the research going on in Florida,” said Hayes, of participating in the FURA event. “Many of the universities in attendance were presenting things that were way outside of my knowledge, but all of the projects were still interesting.”

Posted In: Applied Science