Ep 10. Scents, Sadness and Spaceflight
- January 21, 2023
Mission Unstoppable season 4 episode 10, titled "Scents, Sadness and Spaceflight," explores the incredible innovation and inspiring achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The episode kicks off by following Dr. Kara Hoover, a biological anthropologist and expert in olfactory communication. Dr. Hoover shares with viewers how animals use scent to communicate with each other and how humans can learn from their behavior. She even demonstrates how she uses different scents to study primates in the wild.
Next up, viewers meet Dr. Katie Bouman, an assistant professor of computing and mathematical sciences at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Bouman is recognized for her efforts in capturing the first-ever picture of a black hole, a groundbreaking accomplishment in astrophysics. She explains to viewers the incredible team effort and technology that went into this achievement and inspires viewers to pursue their passions in STEM.
The episode then turns to exploring the emotional impact of spaceflight on astronauts. Dr. Amy Foster, a clinical psychologist at NASA, explains the unique challenges that come with space travel, including isolation, confinement, and separation from loved ones. She shares how she helps astronauts prepare for and cope with these challenges, allowing them to successfully complete their missions and return to Earth mentally healthy.
Finally, viewers are introduced to Guinevere "Gwen" England, a materials engineer at NASA who works on spacecrafts that travel to other worlds. She shares how she became interested in science as a child and how her passions led her to her current job. She showcases the exciting technologies being developed at NASA that will allow us to explore deep space and potentially find life on other planets.
Overall, "Scents, Sadness and Spaceflight" showcases the incredible achievements and innovative work being done by women in STEM fields. Viewers will be inspired by the passion and dedication of these scientists and encouraged to pursue their own interests in STEM.
