Three key takeaways
- NASA is funding FAMU research into how salt deposits behave in the reduced gravity of the moon and Mars.
- Researchers are developing an imaging tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify chemical compositions from photographs.
- The project is providing FAMU students paid research experience while expanding collaborations with NASA and other universities.
As NASA prepares for longer missions to the moon and Mars, a FAMU researcher is studying a problem that could affect the systems astronauts depend on: how salt deposits form and accumulate in reduced gravity.
Beni B. Dangi, an associate professor of chemistry, is the principal investigator of a $1.5 million NASA Minority University Research and Education Project award supporting a partnership among FAMU, NASA Glenn Research Center, Florida State University and Bowie State University.
The project examines how salt and salt mixtures form under Earth’s gravity and in the lower-gravity environments of the moon and Mars. Researchers are developing an image-based diagnostic tool that could use photographs to determine a material’s chemical composition, potentially making analysis faster and more practical during future missions.
The research could also have implications on Earth. Understanding salt buildup may help improve technologies involving water recycling, agriculture and construction — systems that could be critical to sustaining future lunar and Martian habitats.
“This funding has allowed us to establish an experimental astrochemistry laboratory at FAMU while providing students with opportunities to participate in state-of-the-art research,” Dangi said. “Our goal is to develop practical tools that support future space exploration while preparing students with the technical skills needed for STEM careers.”
Since its launch in 2023, it has produced more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations and supported five postdoctoral researchers, two doctoral students and numerous undergraduates. Two FAMU postdoctoral researchers and more than six undergraduate students have received paid positions on funded by the grant. Students have gained experience in laboratory research, artificial intelligence, data science, scientific writing and professional presentations while working with researchers from NASA and partner universities.
“This project showcases the cutting-edge and innovative research taking place in the College of Science and Technology,” said Pierre Ngnepieba, interim dean of the FAMU College of Science and Technology. “Dr. Dangi’s leadership advances scientific discovery while providing students with transformative research experiences that strengthen FAMU’s growing national research profile.”
Dangi visited NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on July 20 to 31 to present his findings, meet with NASA scientists and discuss the potential for additional research collaborations, faculty exchanges and student training.
FAMU's current NASA award runs through 2027, but the team is already pursuing additional funding. Researchers have submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation and are preparing another NASA proposal for later this year.
For FAMU, the project offers a direct connection between advanced research and student training — giving undergraduates an opportunity to work on questions tied to the future of human exploration beyond Earth.
“This partnership creates a foundation for future research that benefits our students, our faculty, and the broader scientific community,” Dangi said. “We’re building relationships that will continue advancing discovery while opening new opportunities for FAMU.”