ESP Biography



EKATERINA KOSTIOUKHINA, Extreme Medicine Doctor




Major: Neuropsychology

College/Employer: Harvard University

Year of Graduation: G 21

Picture of Ekaterina Kostioukhina

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Dr. Kostioukhina is an Extreme Medicine doctor and co-founder of the Medical Society for Optimization of Humans in Space Environments.
She is herself an astronaut applicant for the 2020 NASA's astronaut selection and serves on Earth by providing medical care in disaster areas and to populations in remote locations.

Space Medicine Trailer: https://youtu.be/YK9IaMhNFzY



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S15649: From Earth to Space: Introduction to Space Medicine in HSSP Summer 2023 (Jul. 09, 2023)
Embark on a scientific exploration at MIT as we delve into the captivating field of space medicine. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the intricate intersection of medicine, human physiology, and space exploration. Through a blend of scientific inquiry, interactive lectures, and collaborative discussions, we will delve into the unique health challenges that astronauts face during space missions. Gain an understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of microgravity, as well as the cutting-edge countermeasures used to mitigate them. Topics covered include space nutrition, exercise physiology in microgravity, telemedicine advancements, and the impact of prolonged space missions on mental well-being. Engage with the latest research and technological advancements propelling the field forward. Whether you aspire to contribute to space exploration or seek to expand your scientific knowledge, this class provides a solid foundation in the critical field of space medicine. Join us as we unravel the complexities of human health in space and explore the frontiers of scientific discovery at MIT.


S15091: Astronaut Health: Optimization of Human Performance for the Extreme Environment of Space. in HSSP Summer 2022 (Jul. 09, 2022)
The astronauts' body is the biological machinery that has to sustain the harsh task of space exploration. This course will explore the challenges and dangers that the human body is exposed to in the extreme environment of space and other locations outside of our home planet. We will review the training that astronauts go through to prepare for their journey, the mitigation strategies that they use during the missions, and the post mission recovery treatments that they receive upon returning to Earth. Trailer: https://youtu.be/YK9IaMhNFzY


S14894: Humans working on the Moon: training and guidelines in Spark 2022 (Mar. 12 - 13, 2022)
Do you ever wonder where will you be working when you grow up? In an office? Online in cyberspace? How about ... ON THE MOON? This class explores the skills needed for lunar job applicants, and how you can start your training now.


S14895: Optimization of Human Performance for Lunar Work Environments in HSSP Spring 2022 (Feb. 26, 2022)
Considering taking a job on the Moon? This six week class presents an exploration of the skills and performance needed for workers on the Lunar surface. The focus is on human optimization and training that you can start now, to make yourself a strong candidate for expanding human civilization outside of planet Earth.


S14810: Space Medicine: How to Become an Astronaut Doctor in Splash 2021 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2021)
Astronauts have to be in perfect health, but who takes care of them? It is a team effort! One of the specialties in medicine is Space Medicine. This course explores the journey and current training opportunities of becoming an astronaut doctor. With the accelerated advances in space tourism, we need more specialists in caring for "out-of-this-world" patients.