Lauren Frost has exchanged the Human Performance Lab at West Virginia Universitys Health Sciences Center for the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at NASA Johnson Space Center. Frost, who graduated in May with a bachelors degree in exercise physiology, is spending the summer working with scientists through a National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) internship.

One of 15 students selected to intern, Frost will evaluate methods of exercise that aim to protect astronautshealth by countering the bone and muscle-mass loss that occurs in the microgravity environment of space.

I am eager to learn more about extending the potential for a long, healthy life through proper education and the use of exercise and balanced nutrition, so this experience should be an excellent opportunity to truly understand the role and importance of human life science in space exploration,Frost said.

NSBRI offers internships to undergraduate, graduate and medical students who are interested in life sciences. The program enables students to join ongoing projects with Johnson Space Center scientists.

The summer internship program provides students the opportunity to learn first-hand about human spaceflight activities by working on projects that will help the United States reach its exploration goals,said Jeffrey Sutton, NSBRI director.Talented students such as Lauren gain valuable exposure to research for exploration, and we are excited to help inspire the next generation of scientists.

NSBRI , funded by NASA , is a consortium of institutions studying the health risks related to long-duration spaceflight.