What really happens to living cells in the very first seconds of weightlessness? In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Rob Ferl – Distinguished Professor and Director of the new Astraeus Space Institute at the University of Florida – and the very first NASA-funded scientist to personally conduct real-time biological experiments during a trip to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard (flight NS-19). This is NOT another tourist story. If you’ve ever wondered what the edge of space actually looks and feels like from a scientist-pilot’s seat, this is the closest you’ll get without buying a ticket. Dr. Rob Ferl is a NASA payload specialist, molecular biologist, 1,500-hour pilot, and one of the pioneers turning commercial suborbital flights into real research platforms.Links:How Do Plants Respond to Space Travel?https://youtu.be/hs94RtHkffY?si=tbRMwVV5Xc4Xf9I5University of Florida Astraeus Space Institutehttps://astraeus.ufl.edu/University of Floridahttps://www.ufl.edu/Free Show Notes:https://docs.google.com/document/d/14ztF1g0q_feodiINbf9AtCP4_HfbQsXIuON3sWKAWSE/edit?usp=sharingLearn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/Email: [email protected]:00:00 The Spark of Curiosity02:22 Influences and Inspirations05:34 The Journey to Science and Aviation08:27 The Intersection of Science and Space11:09 Becoming a NASA-Funded Scientist14:18 Experiencing Space: The First Flight17:12 The Science of Adaptation in Space19:58 The Role of Education and Mentorship22:53 The Future of Space Exploration26:00 Lessons in Perseverance28:48 Advice for Aspiring Scientists and PilotsIf you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859Skyward Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

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