Dr. Birendra Mishra works with Dr. Ulrike Luderer, MD., PhD. in the Department of Medicine, School of Medicine. Birendra is working on the effect of space radiation on the ovarian functions of women astronauts which is funded by NASA. He is also a recipient of National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) First Award Fellowship to establish his independent research program on the effects of space radiation on the reproductive health of women astronauts.
This research is important because about 15% percent of astronauts are women, and women made up half of the 2013 NASA astronaut class, but the risks of space radiation to women’s reproductive health remain poorly understood. Radiotherapy for cancer treatment is known to damage ovarian follicles, which increases the risk of infertility, osteoporosis, bone loss, and cognition impairment. Therefore, it is important to understand the reproductive risk associated with space radiation.
Outside of his research, he has been volunteering with different professional and social organizations including as Co-president of the PDA, which have helped him to develop his interpersonal relationship, scientific collaboration and networking. His advice for success to a Postdoc or graduate student in academia, includes: i) keep asking yourself what would you do if you get your own research laboratory, and ii) try to write any kinds of grant/fellowship at your stage which will help you in updating your ideas, collaboration, and scientific needs.