Glenn and Students Interview Dr. Jeanette Epps on Her Groundbreaking Space Mission
Engineering Professor and Students Connect with NASA Astronaut Aboard International Space Station
Dr. Chance Glenn, Sr., professor of electrical engineering at Alabama A&M University, along with three of his students, had the extraordinary opportunity to interview NASA astronaut Dr. Jeanette J. Epps, who has spent over seven months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The conversation provided a firsthand look into life and work aboard the ISS, where Epps has been conducting scientific experiments and maintaining the station as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission.
Since launching aboard SpaceX Dragon from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 3, Epps and her colleagues have been actively involved in a series of experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing space exploration. "My true passion, from a young age, was to create new technologies for space exploration," Glenn shared, reflecting on the profound experience.
Glenn, who is on sabbatical from his role as Provost at the University of Houston-Victoria, recently returned to AAMU to teach and conduct research in space engineering and technology. The Huntsville area, with its robust space industry, presented an unparalleled opportunity for Glenn to further his research in this dynamic field.
“While I was an academic administrator, my ability to engage deeply in science and engineering was limited,” Glenn explained. “Now, as a faculty member, I can both lead high-level research and guide students in the growing field of space engineering and technology.”
Engineering students Maya Bragg, Danylah Branch, Jaila Brooks, and Keith Rivers joined Glenn in the interview, along with Dr. Clyde Varner, an AAMU chemistry professor who is leading research into fuel for space travel through a National Science Foundation grant. Epps even provided the group with a virtual tour of the ISS.
“We saw the Dragon capsule that brought her to the ISS, and we were treated to a stunning view of Earth as the station orbited the planet every 90 minutes,” said Glenn. “Dr. Epps shared insights into her duties, ranging from conducting sensitive scientific experiments to managing everyday tasks like cleaning.”
Epps also described the physical toll of long-term space travel, explaining how astronauts maintain their health in zero gravity, even showing the group her unique way of sleeping without floating away.
Glenn says he discussed his work at AAMU's Space Engineering, Technology, and Innovation Laboratory (SETI Lab) and his growing his company, Morningbird Space Corporation, which focuses on commercializing space-related technologies.
The interview, Glenn noted, was a source of inspiration for both him and his students. “Dr. Epps is an extraordinary individual, and her visit has energized us all. She has expressed interest in visiting Alabama A&M and becoming involved in our program.”
Epps and her fellow SpaceX Crew-8 members are scheduled to return to Earth on October 8, with a splashdown expected in either the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.