Aerospace & Human Performance

The Aerospace Neurology and Human Performance program at the Medical University of South Carolina is a division that focuses on the unique and complex stressors that the human body experiences in austere environments, such as microgravity, hyper/hypobaria, and more. From radiation, G-forces, trauma, hypoxia, and other operational hazards, the human body is subjected to stressors that are not commonly observed on Earth or at normal altitudes. Our faculty members are dedicated to understanding and mitigating these effects with their expertise in neurology, radiology, aerospace medicine, military performance, otology, an. Under the directorship of Dr. Mark J. Rosenberg and the guidance of Dr. Donna R. Roberts, MUSC is privileged to extend its robust research into the realm of spaceflight, aviation, and human performance.

Through collaborative efforts with spaceflight companies, industry partners, military relationships, and academic partnerships, MUSC is strategically located to answer questions regarding the human body in stressful environments. Our mission at MUSC is not just to address these issues but to lead the charge in integrating education, clinical management, and research with military partners and spaceflight companies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all those involved.

What is Aerospace Medicine?

Aerospace medicine is a specialty which is rooted in the Mercury and Gemini missions during the 1940’s. Despite its name, this specialty not only focuses on pilots and astronauts but also pilots, divers and any other individuals placed in austere environments. Under the guidance of the American Board of Preventative Medicine, aerospace medicine works to avoid emergencies and complications, as well as promoting research opportunities. Furthermore, it offers a challenging and exciting environment for physicians, scientists, nurses, researchers, dentists and other healthcare professionals. The focus of this specialty is promoting optimal health, ensuring the safety and anticipating and mitigating operational risk for primary and ancillary individuals during their dedicated missions.

Aerospace Medicine at MUSC: Why Choose Us?

We offer an integrated team of different specialists committed to analyzing phenomena seen in astronauts/pilots. MUSC is the only academic medical center in South Carolina with doctors recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise and research.

• History of Excellence: Our team is composed of experts in aerospace physiology ranging from clinicians to researchers. With such extensive academic experience, it allows for rapid exchange of knowledge for the advancement of understanding in this field.
• Exclusive Research Opportunities: We are an active site working with governmental, for-profit, and non-governmental organizations to gain access to different testing environments and data.

Overview

• Collaborations: Our research has worked with industry leaders to increase access to research environments, including parabolic flight, telemetry, and more.
• Outreach opportunities: Our researchers actively engage in fostering educational and mentoring opportunities for individuals more interested in getting involved with the world of spaceflight medicine.

Areas of Research

• Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome
• Hypobarics/Hyperbarics
• Occupational hazards like circadian dysregulation and musculoskeletal injury
• Cerebrovascular flow dynamics in spaceflight
• Rapid medical evacuation using aviation
• Identification and potential management of cerebrovascular emergencies in spaceflight
• Neurophysiologic manifestations of microgravity

Faculty

Mark J Rosenberg, M.D. - Neurology, Program Director

Donna R. Roberts, M.D. - Neuro-radiology, Neurology, Deputy Chief Scientist, ISS National Labs

Jonathan Edwards, M.D. - Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology

Sami Al Kasab, M.D. - Neuro-endovascular surgery and Neurology

Jonathan Clark, M.D. - Neurology, Aerospace MedicineA djunct Faculty, NASA

William R. Hoffman, M.D.- Neurology, Adjunct Faculty, United States Air Force

Jake Hall, M.D.- Dermatology, Adjunct Faculty, United States Air Force

Paul DiTuro, M.S.- Researcher, Human Performance, Military Operations, Adjunct Faculty

Davis Moore, Ph.D.- Researcher, Human Performance, Neuroscience, Adjunct Faculty, University of South Carolina

Shawn Arent, Ph.D.- Researcher, Human Performance, Adjunct Faculty, University of South Carolina. Chair, Department of Exercise Science

Ekrem Kutluay, M.D. – Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology

Frederico Rodriguez-Porcel, M.D. – Neurology, Neurocognitive, Movement Disorders

Habib Rizk, M.D. – Otolaryngology, Neuro-otology

Ancillary Staff & Students

Andrew Taylow
Lead Research Assistant

Joseph Tidwell
Student Research Assistant

FLEX Cohort

In the News

Latest SpaceX mission a new opportunity for MUSC research on astronauts' health

Expert with first aerospace neurology program in US talks astronaut health as two return

Researchers set out to determine the brain and gravity’s effect on eyesight

Going to Space Can Literally Change The Shape of Your Eyeball. Here's Why

Your Brain In Space

Aerospace Medicine Special Interest Group

Open to all members of the MUSC community, created as a space for everybody who is interested with the world of spaceflight medicine. Please contact Dr. Mark Rosenberg for more information and upcoming events at rosenbem@musc.edu.

Donations and Funding Opportunities

Donations can be made to the Department of Neurology at MUSC.

Please contact Heather Parrish.