kuhf, houston public radio series: UH Moment

February 3, 2010
by: Marisa Ramirez

A bird's-eye view can help you see something clearly, unless you have the perspective on one UH graduate student. Listen to this week's UH Moment.

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Kristine Ferrone is passionate about space and about science.

CG Render of proposed NASA Mars Settlement

"Science for me has been a personal journey of discovering new things, challenging new ways of thinking, learning how to look at problems in different ways and how to solve problems with different information," Ferrone said. "Science helps to teach kids how they can explore different types of pathways to get to an answer to solve a problem."

Ferrone prepares flight plans for the International Space Station. She's also a student in the UH Space Architecture program.

"There are really very few programs in the country and the world that study space architecture as its own discipline, and to have that here in Houston and accessible was a great find," she said about the graduate program housed in the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture."

While Ferrone, the NASA employee, is passionate about science and space, Ferrone, the UH student, is equally enthusiastic about conveying her passion to young people. When she's not participating in a program simulating life on Mars, wearing space suits or communicating with the space station, Ferrone speaks to middle and high school students, encouraging them to pursue college and give space a chance. One such speaking engagement recently was to a group of middle school students.

UH Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture

"They're young, so I made it into something fun, called it astronaut training. I taught them about the space shuttle and the space station and Mars. And they really liked the pictures of me in my space suit," she remembered. "It was really exciting to see them really into it. It was great to see them get so enthusiastic about space."

She's hopeful that her love for space and science sparks that same passion in youth and adults.

"NASA and science is so intriguing to me and to young people because of its mystery. For kids and grown-ups it's a cool factor, and something for them to imagine and think about in different ways," she said.

Kristine Ferrone is part of what's happening at the University of Houston. I'm Marisa Ramirez.

Telling the stories of the University of Houston, this UH Moment is brought to you by KUHF, listener supported radio from the University of Houston.

UH Moment: "Environmental Chamber"

January 27, 2010
by: Marisa Ramirez

Working out can keep you healthy. Working out in extreme hot or cold can work against you. Hear about new research in this UH Moment.

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Brian McFarlin and the Environmental Chamber

Associate Professor Brian McFarlin and colleague Assistant Professor Richard Simpson are concerned with hot and cold, specifically how working out in extreme climates may suppress the body's immune system. They're using the department of health and human performance's environmental chamber to look for factors that put people who work in those conditions at an increase risk for illness.

"Heat illness is a big problem," McFarlin said. "Despite the fact that it has been known to be a big problem for at least 50 years, there hasn't been good data to suggest what the exact risk factors are that contribute to heat related illness."

The environmental chamber is like a giant cooler—10 X 20, wall-to-wall stainless steel—where researchers control the temperature and humidity. The space can be heated up to 120 degree Fahrenheit or cooled to minus four degrees Fahrenheit to mimic the climate conditions in workouts, like two-a-day practices in the heat or winter outdoor bike rides. Subjects ride a stationary bike in the hot or cold chamber. Their heart and blood are monitored.

Test subjects in the Environmental Chamber

McFarlin says elite athletes train in extreme conditions for several events a year. The stress may make them vulnerable to illnesses. But when a person with an average work out is exposed to extreme conditions, the result could be much worse. He says if there was a way to know who is going to be more susceptible, special precautions and strategies could be taken.

"That's one thing that we're really interested in doing is developing the potential risk factors, and trying to identify things that can be measured in an individual and pointed out to a medical staff—this person is at an increased risk," McFarlin said. "Knowing that is valuable because that's the kind of person you're going to want to watch extra close. You're probably going to want to have some aggressive hydration strategies and more aggressive monitoring techniques."

While other universities have environmental chambers, McFarlin says the research is not the same. He and his research team are focused on those who ultimately will benefit.

"We're certainly interested in collecting data that we can publish, but we're also interested in generating data that might be helpful to the larger population," he said.

The Environmental Chamber is part of what's happening at the University of Houston. I'm Marisa Ramirez.

Telling the stories of the University of Houston, this UH Moment is brought to you by KUHF, listener supported radio from the University of Houston.

UH Moment: "Moores Opera Center"

January 20, 2010
by: Marisa Ramirez

Whether you love it or hate it, opera provokes thought, emotion and commentary. At the University of Houston, opera is a language that teaches as it challenges. Listen to this week's UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "Asthmatic Spaces"

January 13, 2010
by: Marisa Ramirez

Solving problems is more than looking for answers. It's looking for new approaches that take advantage of varied skills and perspectives. Listen to this week's UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "Presidential Fellows Program"

January 6, 2010
by: Marisa Ramirez

Marie-Theresa Hernández is preparing to move. The professor of world cultures and literatures isn't changing jobs, but she is adding one. Listen to this week's UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "Leland Congressional Interns"

December 30, 2009
by: Marisa Ramirez

What are your plans for the New Year? One group of students will learn how to change the world through public service. Listen to this week's UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "I Witness History"

December 23, 2009
by: Marisa Ramirez

How does Ancient History come alive? Through the pen of one UH professor. Listen to this week's UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "Par Excellence"

December 16, 2009
by: Marisa Ramirez

Students at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management have been "serving up" success—and scholarships—for 25 years. Listen to this week's UH Moment.
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