by Olivia Drake – UConn College of Engineering
By participating in the mission, College of Engineering’s Jason Lee contributed to NASA’s efforts to study how future astronauts may react to isolation and confinement during deep-space journey.
Jason Lee’s lifelong aspiration to explore outer space became a reality—without ever needing to leave planet Earth.
For 45 days, Lee, associate professor-in-residence in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering, lived in NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) habitat at Johnson Space Center, participating in a simulated journey to Mars.
There, he and three other crew members operated in a constrained environment, completing mission-critical tasks, conducting repairs, viewing Martian landscapes through virtual reality, and making communication attempts with Mission Control.
Professor Jiong Tang, a distinguished figure in the field of mechanical engineering, has recently been honored with the prestigious ASME Myklestad Award in 2024. This award, established by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to vibration engineering, particularly in areas related to analytical methods, experimental approaches, and practical applications in mechanical and aerospace systems. Prof. Tang’s work exemplifies the high standards of innovation, rigor, and impact that the Myklestad Award celebrates, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field of vibration engineering through both fundamental research and practical advancements.
Prof. David Pierce has been elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the highest honors awarded by the organization. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Pierce’s significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering, acknowledging years of dedicated research, innovative teaching, and impactful advancements within the discipline. As a Fellow, Prof. Pierce joins an elite group of professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and leadership in mechanical engineering, further enhancing the visibility and impact of their work on a global scale.
Through millions in coveted grants, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are recognizing how impactful Thanh Nguyen’s research is to the field of biomedical engineering.
