Representing their school's Space Farmers organization, the three earned first place in the Middle/High School Poster Competitions at the 40th American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico the first weekend of December.
Cai, a senior, and Huang and Nix, both freshmen, presented their research on growing suitable leafy greens in space to support astronaut health in long-term space missions — the culmination of one year's work.
Their poster, "Balancing Nutrient Content and Nitrate Levels in Space Agriculture: Investigating LED Light and C02 Effects on Space-Grown Leafy Green Vegetables," focused on practical solutions to improving crop quality and reducing nitrate levels.
Using simulated NASA growth chambers and neutron-irradiated seeds provided by NASA's Growing Beyond Earth program, the students conducted experiments under space-like conditions. They designed and built their custom 3D-printed CO2 dispensation system to simulate elevated carbon dioxide levels.
"Going into the conference, we were a little nervous although we spent a lot of time preparing," said Huang, who's been in Space Farmers for four years going back to middle school. "Our presentation went really well. We weren't expecting to place first, but we were definitely very happy."
Cai, a five-year participant in Space Farmers, had similar thoughts.
"I wasn't sure what we would get," she said. "I was expecting some kind of feedback and (looking forward to) networking with all these wonderful professionals. Seeing all the scores and that we got first place was just exciting. It was very fun and also empowering."
"I think we felt very prepared, but we weren't expecting to do as well as we did," said Nix, now in his second year with Space Farmers. "Not only taking first, but the feedback we got, we felt very excited that our research could have an impact in the field."
Judges were impressed by the students' ability to conduct rigorous experiments and analyze complex data. Their innovative research and professional presentation earned them a perfect score.
"This innovative work not only addresses astronaut health but also holds promise for improving agricultural sustainability on Earth," said NASA's Renee Bell.
NASA's Growing Beyond Earth program awarded the Dow students $5,000 to support their travel and presentation.
While the students led every aspect of the project, they also benefited from expert guidance. NASA scientists Gioia Massa and Alexander Meyers from Kennedy Space Center provided remote advice on space botany and radiation effects.
Local educators Christine Brillhart from Jefferson Middle School and Lisa S. Tsay from Saginaw Valley State University assisted with CO2 experiments, light intensity management and data analysis.
Margaret Hitt, founder of the Dow High Space Farmers and now a student at Columbia University, said, "This isn't just a win for our team— it's a win for the entire Midland community. It proves that students from our schools can make a real impact on the world and beyond."
Beyond presenting, the students also attended professional presentations in plant science and connected with scientists, engineers, and NASA personnel.
"This immersion not only broadened our scientific horizons but also equipped us with a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary research in space agriculture and space biology," Cai said.
Nix added, "Meeting scientists like Dr. Massa, Dr. Karl Hasenstein, and Dr. Richard Barker was an incredible opportunity. They shared their insights and encouraged us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible as student researchers."
"The chance to present our research and receive feedback from such esteemed professionals was amazing. It made us feel like we are truly part of the scientific community," Huang said.
As Cai said, networking with other young aspiring scientists and professionals from NASA was a big part of the weekend in San Juan.
"It was really special to see other high school students our age sharing the same passion for space research that we do," Nix said.
"It was a really good way to exchange ideas," Huang said. "We were able to talk with other space farmers, but also with other students on other topics."
"(We met) people who are incredibly passionate about their jobs," Cai said.
When the three Chargers returned to school last week after the conference, they were congratulated by fellow students and the 15 or so members of Space Farmers at Dow High.
"For the Space Farmers club, everyone was proud because we all contributed to it and it was (a collective effort," Nix noted.
"Definitely, everyone was very excited for us, especially since we represented Dow High and this area really well," Huang said.
And there's no coasting or relaxing for the Dow High Space Farmers. Huang said now they are working on a new proposal about melanin.
"We're going to be working on that the the rest of the school year and we'll present our findings at the NASA Student Symposium in April," Huang said.
Managing Editor Dan Chalk writes about education, business, sports, the military, and interesting people and events in the Midland area. Email him at chalk@mdn.net
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