Rice University Student Creates Groundbreaking Microbial Monitoring Tool for NASA

When astronauts blast off into space, they bring along more than just their gear; they also carry a multitude of microorganisms ready to colonize their surroundings. As we enter a new era of space exploration, keeping tabs on these hidden stowaways is crucial for astronaut health and spacecraft integrity. This summer, a Rice University undergraduate developed a custom tool that empowers NASA scientists to do just that.

Meet Ankhi Banerjee, a bright junior at Rice pursuing a double major in computer science and biology. Over 10 intensive weeks, Ankhi collaborated closely with the experts at NASA's Johnson Space Center to create a data-analysis pipeline aimed at tracking microbes aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This innovative endeavor was part of the Genome Sleuths program, where undergraduates engage in cutting-edge research on microbial genomes under the guidance of computer scientist Todd Treangen.

Uncovering the Hidden Lives of Space Microbes

Ankhi worked in tandem with Dr. Sarah Wallace and her microbiology lab team at NASA to interpret sequencing data from microbiome samples collected on the ISS. Through her painstaking efforts, she developed visualizations that mapped the distribution of various bacteria throughout the station's modules and even designed an anomaly-detection tool to identify unusual microbial signatures.

Ankhi's findings are nothing short of fascinating. She found sweat-loving bacteria congregating around gym equipment, food-related microbes near dining areas, and even microbial hotspots on bathroom handrails. "I had a lot of fun finding these patterns," she remarked.

A Moment to Shine at NASA

At the culmination of her summer project, Ankhi presented her work at NASA's Johnson Space Center, initially expecting a small audience of familiar faces. To her surprise, she faced a crowd of around 30 people. "It was very intimidating at first, but everyone was kind and welcoming—they all just wanted me to learn," Ankhi recalled.

Dr. Todd Treangen, who leads the Genome Sleuths program, has supported over 50 undergraduates in similar internships. He praised Ankhi's project, stating it was one of the best he had witnessed in his eight years of mentoring. Her software impressed a full team of NASA scientists, indicating she's just getting started in her promising career.

A Bright Future Ahead

The Genome Sleuths initiative is part of the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program, which integrates undergraduate students into faculty-led research teams for extended periods. This deep involvement equips students with advanced skills and leadership experience.

Ankhi's anomaly-detection tool remains a work in progress this semester, aiming to assist NASA scientists both on Earth and on future lunar and Mars missions. Reflecting on her experience, Ankhi expressed strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in computational biology, signaling her eagerness to continue making impactful contributions to the field.

Rising Star in Microbial Research

Dr. Wallace commended Ankhi's enthusiasm and intellect, emphasizing how the tool she developed is a significant asset for enhancing crew health and safety in space missions. Moreover, she will be speaking at an upcoming Ken Kennedy Institute workshop focused on microbes in health.

This incredible opportunity isn't just a one-off; Rice students of all majors can apply to join VIP teams through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI), allowing them to earn course credit while engaging in real-world research challenges, from microbial genomics to robotics.

"Experiences like these demonstrate the remarkable contributions undergraduate students at Rice can make in the realm of research, fueling my motivation to keep the Genome Sleuths program flourishing for years to come," Treangen concluded.