The summer student intern will be fully supported through MD Space Grant Consortium. Here is the link of the application and project descriptions: https://md.spacegrant.org/summer-2026-internship-projects/
The details of my project:
Title: Cultivating Microgreens in Lunar and Martian Regolith Simulants in Controlled-Environment Systems
Status: AVAILABLE
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Madhumi Mitra, mmitra@umes.edu
Project Description: The intern will participate in a hands-on, interdisciplinary research project focused on growing fast-cycle crops (microgreens such as alfalfa, broccoli, kale) in lunar and Martian regolith simulants using controlled-environment agriculture platforms. The project is designed to be scalable and adaptable, allowing students from diverse academic backgrounds (biology, environmental science, engineering, agriculture, or data science) to engage meaningfully while being challenged.
The intern will assist in designing and implementing controlled growth experiments comparing regolith simulant-amended substrates with conventional growth media. They will be trained to use an indoor FarmBot system for planting seeds, automated irrigation, and data-driven monitoring, as well as Tower Garden systems to explore aeroponic or soilless cultivation strategies. Core project tasks include literature review, attending in-person research meetings and trainings, substrate preparation, experimental setup, crop maintenance, and systematic data collection and analyses related to germination, growth
rate, biomass, and visual plant health indicators.
The intern will gain experience in experimental design, including defining controls, replicates, and treatment variables, and will learn about plant physiology concepts relevant to stress responses, nutrient uptake, and growth efficiency. Depending on background and interest, interns may also be trained in simple biochemical assays (e.g., antioxidant capacity). Comparative analysis of crop performance across systems (FarmBot vs. Tower Garden), integrating data, will lead to contributing to a research poster or presentation suitable for the symposium.
Throughout the internship, emphasis will be placed on systems thinking, sustainability, and real-world problem solving. Interns will develop transferable skills including laboratory safety, scientific documentation, teamwork, communication of results, and exposure to NASA-relevant research questions. The project provides a supportive mentoring environment with opportunities for independent inquiry as well as structured guidance, making it suitable for both early-stage and more advanced undergraduate students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: Undergraduate standing (freshman through senior) in a STEM field. Basic coursework in biology, environmental science, agriculture, or engineering OR strong interest in space agriculture and sustainability. Willingness to work in a laboratory/greenhouse setting and follow safety protocols. Curiosity, reliability, enthusiasm, and willingness to work as part of a team.
Additional Desired Skills: Experience with plant growth experiments, robotics, or controlled environment systems. Familiarity with basic statistics. Interest in space exploration, sustainability, or food systems.
This work will be carried out in-person; therefore the intern must reside on or near the UMES campus during the entire internship period. Summer housing will be available through UMES Residence Life by prior arrangement, if desired.
This project aims to recruit one intern.
Status: AVAILABLE
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Madhumi Mitra, mmitra@umes.edu
Project Description: The intern will participate in a hands-on, interdisciplinary research project focused on growing fast-cycle crops (microgreens such as alfalfa, broccoli, kale) in lunar and Martian regolith simulants using controlled-environment agriculture platforms. The project is designed to be scalable and adaptable, allowing students from diverse academic backgrounds (biology, environmental science, engineering, agriculture, or data science) to engage meaningfully while being challenged.
The intern will assist in designing and implementing controlled growth experiments comparing regolith simulant-amended substrates with conventional growth media. They will be trained to use an indoor FarmBot system for planting seeds, automated irrigation, and data-driven monitoring, as well as Tower Garden systems to explore aeroponic or soilless cultivation strategies. Core project tasks include literature review, attending in-person research meetings and trainings, substrate preparation, experimental setup, crop maintenance, and systematic data collection and analyses related to germination, growth
rate, biomass, and visual plant health indicators.
The intern will gain experience in experimental design, including defining controls, replicates, and treatment variables, and will learn about plant physiology concepts relevant to stress responses, nutrient uptake, and growth efficiency. Depending on background and interest, interns may also be trained in simple biochemical assays (e.g., antioxidant capacity). Comparative analysis of crop performance across systems (FarmBot vs. Tower Garden), integrating data, will lead to contributing to a research poster or presentation suitable for the symposium.
Throughout the internship, emphasis will be placed on systems thinking, sustainability, and real-world problem solving. Interns will develop transferable skills including laboratory safety, scientific documentation, teamwork, communication of results, and exposure to NASA-relevant research questions. The project provides a supportive mentoring environment with opportunities for independent inquiry as well as structured guidance, making it suitable for both early-stage and more advanced undergraduate students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: Undergraduate standing (freshman through senior) in a STEM field. Basic coursework in biology, environmental science, agriculture, or engineering OR strong interest in space agriculture and sustainability. Willingness to work in a laboratory/greenhouse setting and follow safety protocols. Curiosity, reliability, enthusiasm, and willingness to work as part of a team.
Additional Desired Skills: Experience with plant growth experiments, robotics, or controlled environment systems. Familiarity with basic statistics. Interest in space exploration, sustainability, or food systems.
This work will be carried out in-person; therefore the intern must reside on or near the UMES campus during the entire internship period. Summer housing will be available through UMES Residence Life by prior arrangement, if desired.
This project aims to recruit one intern.
.png)
