Dorit Donoviel, Executive Director of the NASA-funded Translational Research Institute for Space Health at Baylor College of Medicine, brings over two decades of experience in leading biomedical research to advance human health in space. With a robust publication record and a background in drug discovery and project management, Dorit steers innovative efforts to transition solutions from research to space operations. 

In this episode, she unravels the physiological and psychological challenges of space travel and discusses pioneering approaches to maintain astronaut health beyond Earth’s orbit.

You’ll hear about Dorit's groundbreaking research, spanning from the impact of microgravity on human physiology to the intricate challenges of space radiation. With her expertise, we explore the complex interplay between the human body and the harsh environment of space, uncovering the necessity for resilience and adaptability in space.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Insights on how space acts as a laboratory for understanding human adaptation to extreme environments. 

• The profound physiological effects of microgravity on the human body and the innovative strategies to mitigate them. 

• The role of radiation in space travel, the limits of current protection methods, and the exciting potential of biological solutions for radiation defense. 

• The psychological and interpersonal challenges of long-duration space missions and the importance of mental health for astronaut crews. 

• The evolving landscape of space travel with commercial spaceflight's rise, enabling more countries to participate in space exploration.

Quote:

"We've been in a proxy war with Russia for over a year, and yet, we collaborate in space... those relationships are strong. So as long as you keep the door open and there's dialogue, there's hope. Space should bring us together as a species, rather than divide us."

- Dorit Donoviel

Episode Links:

Connect with Dorit on LinkedIn

TRISH at Baylor College of Medicine

NASA

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

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