Patricia S. Cowings

Patricia S Cowings NASA Publications Photo

Patricia S. Cowings is an American psychologist and aerospace psychophysiologist known for her pioneering work in the field of space medicine. She is a researcher at NASA's Ames Research Center and has made significant contributions to understanding and mitigating the effects of space travel on the human body.

Early Life and Education

Patricia S. Cowings was born in New York City. She earned her B.A. in psychology from City College of New York and her Ph.D. in psychophysiology from University of California, Davis.

Career

Cowings joined NASA in the 1970s, where she became the first woman to be trained as a payload specialist. Her research primarily focuses on autogenic feedback training exercise (AFTE), a technique she developed to help astronauts control space motion sickness and other physiological responses to the microgravity environment of space.

Autogenic Feedback Training Exercise (AFTE)

AFTE is a biofeedback technique that enables individuals to gain control over their autonomic nervous system functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. This method has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness and improving overall well-being during space missions.

Achievements and Honors

Patricia S. Cowings has received numerous awards for her contributions to space medicine and psychophysiology. She has published extensively in scientific journals and has been a keynote speaker at various international conferences.

Personal Life

Cowings is married and has two children. She continues to be an active researcher and mentor to young scientists in the field of aerospace medicine.

See Also

• Space medicine
• NASA Ames Research Center
• Motion sickness
• Biofeedback

External Links

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.