Dr. Jim Pawelczyk, Associate Professor of Physiology, Kinesiology and Medicine at Pennsylvania State University has had extensive experience as an astronaut and researcher on the effects of microgravity on the human body. Missions to Mars would require humans to travel well beyond the current record of 15 months by a Russian astronaut, and doubling that length to nearly 30 months. Factors such as the environment, bone repair and growth, radiation, psychological stamina, and other influences play a critical role towards achieving this goal. Data from previous missions such as the International Space Station and Skylab have helped in determining how to address these challenges, but Pawelczyk points out the need to inspire today’s students to realize the solutions and possibilities of such travel since they will be our astronauts, engineers, and scientists of tomorrow. For more information about this web seminar, its presenter(s), read what participants said about it, and to see and download its PowerPoint slides go here.