On a mission to explore the mysteries of the universe and advance the future of human spaceflight, Urban Koi holds a Master’s in Space Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and is continuing her studies as a future Doctor of Space Medicine. Her diverse roles span multiple disciplines, including Bioastronautics Researcher at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS); Principal Investigator & Space Systems Engineer in the NASA L’SPACE program, focusing on Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems; Analog Astronaut – Health & Safety Officer (HSO) at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS); Rescue Scuba Diver; Pilot-in-Training; and Award-Winning Film Director & Photographer at SOTU STUDIO. Koi embodies boundless persistence in the vast expanse of the cosmos.
As a CURE Fellow at the Columbia University Medical Center, she conducted molecular genetics and biomedical immunoengineering research, exploring ways to harness the immune system to treat cancer and other diseases through biomaterials, therapeutics, and novel systems. As a Research Scientist, she worked on genetic research to engineer algae as a renewable biofuel source. Her groundbreaking project earned 1st Place at the Sigma Xi Research Conference for its revolutionary impact in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and bioenergy.
Merging science, engineering, and art, Koi is the Founder and Director of SOTU STUDIO (Student of the Universe®), an experimental multimedia studio dedicated to curiosity, cosmic discovery, and limitless creativity. Over 12+ years in the industry, she has collaborated with global titans such as Apple, Google, ASUS, and Logitech, using her visionary lens to propel their missions. Her work has garnered a global reach of over one million and was recognized by NASA, which selected her as an independent photographer to document the engineering process of missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. She has photographed the Space Launch System, Orion Spacecraft (Artemis), and Vertical Assembly Center at NASA Michoud (managed by Marshall Space Flight Center). Her work is featured across NASA multimedia and social channels, award-winning publications, and her Instagram (@urbanxkoi).
For over a decade, Koi has served as Co-Leader on the 100cameras Board of Creatives, contributing to a nonprofit recognized by the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), UNIDIR, and UNICEF. This enrichment program empowers youth worldwide to become leaders through a proven methodology that enhances emotional intelligence, well-being, and resilience using photography and storytelling. On her upcoming Analog Astronaut mission, Koi will pilot the first-ever 100cameras in Space initiative, designed to safeguard astronauts’ psychological well-being on Mars missions, extending the program’s transformative impact to space exploration.
At the intersection of human resilience and technological ingenuity, Koi is pioneering a new era of space exploration, illuminating the path toward humanity’s celestial destiny.
Your career spans multiple disciplines, from space systems engineering to bioastronautics and filmmaking. How do you see these fields intersecting in your work?
From the earliest whispers of my childhood, Leonardo da Vinci cast a radiant glow on my mind, a brilliance that continues to illuminate my path today. Like a cosmic alchemist, he merged art, science, and engineering into a philosopher’s stone of limitless innovation, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time. His symphony of knowledge—interweaving anatomy, mathematics, and physics—has been one of my greatest inspirations.
In my own odyssey, I perceive more than mere numbers and equations. Where others see schematics, I envision intricate, interconnected systems pulsing with possibility. My art is a tapestry of visual narratives that breathe life into labyrinthine paradigms, making the complex dance of biology, physics, mathematics, and medicine accessible and captivating. I see my artistic lens as a clarifying prism, allowing me to approach science and engineering in unconventional ways. By viewing challenges through creative angles, I uncover solutions that might be overlooked through a purely analytical approach. My ability to visualize abstract concepts and translate them into tangible designs merges theory with application, pushing the boundaries of astronautics and space engineering.
Filmmaking and photography add a vital storytelling element to my scientific work, granting me the freedom to communicate intricate topics with clarity and emotion. Through my art, I strive to unveil the poetry in equations, the elegance in blueprints, and the human story behind every technological breakthrough.
Like da Vinci, I aspire to be a visionary who dreams in multiple dimensions, crafting solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional, as inspired as they are precise. By interlacing disciplines, I hope to deepen our understanding of the universe and inspire others to join the pursuit of space exploration, illuminating the path to a future where humanity thrives beyond Earth.
As a Bioastronautics Researcher and Principal Investigator at NASA L’SPACE, you focus on human health and life support systems. What are some of the biggest challenges in ensuring astronaut well-being on long-duration space missions?
I am deeply honored to be the Principal Investigator of an exciting NASA L’SPACE project: Mushrooms in Space. This invention, which I conceptualized and pitched to NASA, is finally coming to life with an incredible team of subject matter experts. And GOSS Magazine is the first to break this news! Our project is pioneering a revolutionary, in-situ, space-optimized mushroom resource ecosystem—designed to provide astronauts with a safe, sustainable, and highly nutritious food source for long-duration missions on the Moon and Mars. Mycology, space systems engineering, and space medicine are elegantly woven into this endeavor, and while I can’t disclose all details due to an NDA, I am beyond grateful to be spearheading something truly extraordinary.
The microgravity environment presents formidable physiological challenges, including muscle atrophy and bone loss, which can severely impact physical health and performance. The cardiovascular system also undergoes significant changes, as fluid redistribution and altered blood pressure regulation can lead to orthostatic intolerance upon return to Earth. Beyond the physical, psychological well-being is paramount. Isolation, confinement, and the absence of natural light can contribute to mental health concerns such as depression and disrupted circadian rhythms. Additionally, the ever-present threat of space radiation accelerates cellular aging and increases long-term health risks.
Through my research at IIAS and NASA, I tackle these multifaceted challenges by developing comprehensive life support systems that provide essential resources—air, water, and food—while fostering sustainable and health-protective environments for astronauts.
You’re currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree with a specialization in Space Medicine. How do you envision medical advancements shaping the future of deep-space exploration?
Many don’t realize that our pursuit of deep space catalyzes transformative advancements that ripple back to Earth, revolutionizing life for all humanity. Miniaturization and portability of medical devices, crucial for reducing payload mass and enabling comprehensive in-flight care, are already transforming terrestrial healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Advanced imaging technologies, inspired by space telescopes like James Webb, refine procedures such as LASIK surgery, while satellite-powered telemedicine bridges healthcare gaps across isolated communities worldwide.
Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies—which recycle waste into food, oxygen, and water—hold the promise of revolutionizing regenerative medicine and sustainable living practices on Earth. Space exploration is not just about venturing into the unknown; it’s about survival and progress. Every breakthrough in engineering, science, and medicine feeds directly into solutions for some of humanity’s greatest challenges: healthcare access, food security, sustainability, and beyond. As we push the boundaries of human spaceflight, we simultaneously advance the frontiers of Earth, evolving into a multi-planetary species.
Your work with 100cameras has had a profound impact on emotional intelligence and resilience. Can you share more about the ‘100cameras in Space’ initiative and how it will support astronauts’ mental health on missions to Mars?
As an Analog Astronaut – Health & Safety Officer on my upcoming mission, I will be piloting the first-ever 100cameras in Space initiative, designed to safeguard astronauts’ psychological well-being on missions to Mars and beyond. Space exploration presents immense psychological challenges, especially during long-duration missions where isolation, confinement, and separation from Earth can take a serious toll. As humanity moves toward a multi-planetary future, addressing these psychological effects is crucial to mission success.
The 100cameras (100c) Method, developed over 15 years, uses photography as a tool for self-expression, fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and connection. Recognized by the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), UNIDIR, and UNICEF, this method empowers participants through storytelling, introspection, and personal narrative-building. By implementing 100cameras in Space, we aim to provide astronauts with a structured yet flexible way to document their experiences, process emotions, and strengthen their sense of community, mitigating the psychological effects of prolonged space travel.
With your diverse expertise and relentless drive, what ultimate legacy do you hope to leave in the field of space exploration?
Beyond my contributions to astronautics, space systems engineering, and medicine, I seek to unveil the cosmos through the vivid hues of wonder. Through the lens of my camera and the frames of my films, I endeavor to capture the delicate beauty of the universe, igniting curiosity and transforming celestial bodies into beacons of inspiration for generations to come. Each image, each story, is a bridge spanning the chasm between Earth and the stars, inviting inquisitive minds to explore the grand mysteries of the universe alongside me.
My legacy shall be woven from threads of resilience, spun in the loom of innovation, and dyed in the rich colors of inspiration. It will be a tapestry of dreams taking flight, defying gravity and doubt alike. As I reach for the stars, I carry a flame kindled by adversity, burning all the brighter for the darkness it has overcome. This journey is not mine alone. Every step toward the cosmic horizon is taken for those whose paths have been blocked, whose voices have been silenced, whose dreams have been dismissed. I wish to be a constellation of hope, each point of light a testament to the power of perseverance.
Onward we go—to the stars!
All Photo Credits to Urban Koi
