Future bioastronautics engineers will innovate novel ways to make space travel easier on the human body. Ohio Northern University’s Caleb Scheideger will be among their ranks.
A senior majoring in mechanical engineering with an aerospace concentration, Caleb is already making strides in this trailblazing field. This summer, he’s participating in a highly-competitive Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., funded by the National Science Foundation.
“My primary responsibility is to conduct a systematic review on countermeasures to mitigate the loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in a microgravity environment.”
He explained that these countermeasures could include exercises, biogenic therapies, and electrical stimulation.
“This investigation will benefit future work in exploring the impact of space systems and applications for the human body, identifying ways to improve astronauts’ health and performance in space.”
Caleb’s interest in bioastronautics was nurtured by ONU engineering professors Dr. Xiangyi Cheng and Dr. Louis DiBerardino. They encouraged him to apply for a grant from the Ohio Space Grant Consortium for a specialized research project on reducing muscle atrophy in space, which he received. And last summer, he participated in an REU at The Ohio State University in their Injury Biomechanics Research Center.
All these experiences led to the coveted REU at Embry-Riddle. And while there, he even witnessed a rocket launch and toured the Kennedy Space Center—a place he’s dreamed about visiting since childhood.
Caleb’s future goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. He knows it will not be easy, but he’s committed to “always being resilient, adaptable, and to never stop learning and growing.”
“I would say I have a genuine passion for research. I enjoy the struggle, I enjoy the unknown, I enjoy the occasional long hours, and I especially enjoy the successes.”