Mark Shelhamer

American scientist and aerospace engineer

Mark Shelhamer is an American scientist and aerospace engineer known for his work in the field of aerospace medicine and neuroscience. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of human physiological responses to spaceflight and is a prominent figure in the development of countermeasures to mitigate the adverse effects of space travel on the human body.

Early Life and Education

Mark Shelhamer was born in the United States. He pursued his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at Drexel University, where he developed a strong foundation in engineering principles. He later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned his Sc.D. in aeronautics and astronautics. His doctoral research focused on the vestibular system and its role in human balance and spatial orientation, which laid the groundwork for his future research in space medicine.

Career

Academic and Research Positions

After completing his doctoral studies, Shelhamer joined the faculty at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he became a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. His research at Johns Hopkins has centered on the effects of spaceflight on the human body, particularly the vestibular and sensorimotor systems.

Mark Shelhamer in parabolic flight

Shelhamer has conducted numerous studies on the physiological challenges faced by astronauts, including space motion sickness, bone density loss, and muscle atrophy. His work has been instrumental in developing strategies to counteract these effects, thereby improving the safety and effectiveness of long-duration space missions.

NASA Involvement

Mark Shelhamer has been actively involved with NASA throughout his career. He served as the Chief Scientist of NASA's Human Research Program from 2013 to 2016. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing research aimed at understanding and mitigating the health risks associated with human space exploration.

During his tenure at NASA, Shelhamer played a key role in the development of the One-Year Mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency to study the effects of extended spaceflight on the human body. This mission provided valuable data on the physiological and psychological challenges of long-term space travel.

Wiseman and Shelhamer

Research Contributions

Shelhamer's research has significantly advanced the understanding of how the human body adapts to the microgravity environment of space. His studies on the vestibular system have provided insights into the mechanisms of space adaptation syndrome and have informed the development of countermeasures to reduce its impact on astronauts.

He has also contributed to the understanding of sensorimotor adaptation in space, exploring how astronauts adjust their movements and perceptions in a weightless environment. This research is crucial for the design of effective training programs and technologies to support astronauts during and after their missions.

Publications and Awards

Mark Shelhamer has authored numerous scientific papers and articles on topics related to aerospace medicine and human physiology. His work has been published in leading journals, and he is a sought-after speaker at conferences and symposia worldwide.

Shelhamer has received several awards and honors for his contributions to the field of space medicine, including recognition from NASA and professional organizations dedicated to aerospace research.

Related Pages

• Aerospace medicine
• Human spaceflight
• NASA Human Research Program
• Space adaptation syndrome