Roger K. Long
UCSF endocrinology fellow Roger K. Long, MD, is one of only three young investigators to have been named National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) Postdoctoral Fellows.
"The space program needs scientists well-versed in the research and technology development skills required to solve health problems related to lunar and Mars missions," said NSBRI Director Jeffrey P. Sutton, MD, PhD. "This fellowship provides hands-on experience for the young scientists who will implement the Vision for Space Exploration."
The fellows' research projects address areas of interest to exploration missions and include bone loss, spatial disorientation and cardiovascular physiology studies.
The two-year program offers fellows the opportunity to manage their own space-related biomedical research project while continuing to learn from an experienced faculty mentor. Long's mentor at UCSF is Daniel D. Bikle, MD, PhD, professor of medicine.
Participants receive $40,000 per year and become a member of one of NSBRI's science and technology teams. Fellows also attend a weeklong summer institute at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), learning about JSC's research facilities and program. Fellows also participate in activities that help them build professional relationships with leading scientists from across the nation.
Funded by NASA, NSBRI studies the health risks related to long-duration space flight with peer-reviewed science, technology and education projects at more than 70 institutions across the United States.
To be selected, applicants submitted detailed research project proposals to investigate a solution to a space health risk or to develop a technology needed to enable research or medical care in space. Long's project is titled "
Recovery of IGF-1 Signaling in Bone by Skeletal Reloading."
Applications were reviewed for scientific and technical merit by the Fellowship Committee and by NSBRI management to ensure relevance to the institute's research program goals.
Related Links:
National Space Biomedical Research Institute website
Roger Long's Abstract
