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Malica Schmidt

Scientist, analog astronaut, and explorer

About me

Hi, I'm Dr. Malica Schmidt, principal investigator of space technologies, commander of analog missions, and explorer of the extremes. I am deeply passionate about developing novel technologies to advance our health in extreme environments on Earth and in space and venture into these environments as part of my research, during analogue missions, and in my personal life as an analogue astronaut, scientific and rescue diver, glider pilot, skydiver, and high-altitude mountaineer. Read more about me below:

Malica Schmidt's research, including the Nature-Inspired, Multifunctional Surfaces (NIMFS)

Research

My main research project consists of the development of Nature-Inspired, Multifunctional Surfaces (NIMFS) for sustainable water recycling in extreme environments. Other research projects include disaster mitigation of sea level rise and storm surges in Tokyo, Japan, as well as the improvement of safety for stroke survivors and people with dementia. Read more about my research below:

Expeditions

Environments, such as underwater, in microgravity, and at high altitude, are mostly isolated, confined, and extreme. They are beyond the human ecological niche and can be used during analogue missions to simulate various aspects of space exploration, such as living and working in these extreme conditions. Read more about my expeditions and analogue missions below:

Malica Schmidt's expeditions, including the first UK Space Health Research Analogue Astronaut Mission

Credit: John Dickens

ESA Astronaut Matthias Maurer holding the Touching Arrays with the NIMFS during his space classroom. Credit: ESA/NASA

Credit: ESA/NASA

Outreach

Educational outreach is crucial to support future generations and inspire them to work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. I am determined to promote a keen interest in pupils and students, and particularly among girls and young women. Read more about my main outreach activities below:

Media

My research and exploratory endeavours were published using various media, such as papers,  conference proceedings, book contributions, posters, and newspapers. I was also interviewed for stories in newspapers and videos. Read more about my media appearances below:

Malica Schmidt's media and events page, including the UCL Disruptive Thinkers Video
Malica Schmidt's media and events page, including the UCL Disruptive Thinkers Video

Events

My upcoming and past events include conferences and presentations with topics on my research, exploration, inspiration, and career, as well as interviews with various organisations. Read more about my events below:

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