Tulane University Launches New Space Science Minor
Tulane University is embracing a multidisciplinary approach to its latest initiative in space research. The university recently held a Space Science and Engineering Forum on September 22, featuring keynote speaker Tia Ferguson, a former director at NASA’s Space Systems Department. The forum aimed to generate excitement for a new Space Science and Engineering Minor set to launch in fall 2027.
Ferguson emphasized the potential for significant research advancements in space, particularly in medical innovation. “When they invent a medicine that cures cancer or diabetes, and it can only be made in zero gravity, then there will be a viable model,” she noted.
Senior engineering student Josh Nguyen and his team were also in attendance, showcasing their involvement in a project with NASA focused on researching the origins of life on Earth. Their experiment aims to utilize microdroplets as microreactors for in-space manufacturing, leveraging the unique conditions of microgravity.
The interest in a space program at Tulane was highlighted by earth and environmental sciences professor Cynthia Ebinger, who found substantial enthusiasm among students and faculty. “What we’re trying to promote at all times is interdisciplinarity,” Ebinger stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across various fields.
Nguyen’s upcoming project is expected to launch aboard SpaceX 35 to the International Space Station on October 13, 2026.
With the launch of the new minor and the development of space-related initiatives, Tulane aims to invigorate its research capabilities and engage with the ever-evolving field of space exploration.
Rosemary Mulvey contributed to this report.
