Heather Smith, PhD, Attends NASA Analysis Working Group Annual Meeting

On Sept. 25, 2025, Heather Smith, Ph.D., distinguished professor of biology at Riverside City College, participated in the NASA Analysis Working Group (AWG) annual meeting, held virtually under the theme Moon to Mars: Advancing Research, Operations, and Countermeasures.

The meeting convened approximately 175 scientists from around the world in a collaborative virtual environment to share emerging research supporting future space exploration. Keynote sessions focused on topics closely aligned with student coursework, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, human health, multiomics, plant biology, microbiology, and space radiation.

Smith, a member of multiple AWGs, is currently collaborating on two NASA-supported research projects. Knowledge gained from the meeting is being integrated into RCC courses in biology, health science, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world research that supports astronaut health, life in extreme environments, and long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

RCC students interested in hands-on experience with NASA are encouraged to explore internship opportunities available to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students at nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs.