Research
Effects of CO2 on Reaction Time
Spring 2024 - Current
Principal Invesitigator: Dr. Rachael Seidler
University of Florida
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College of Health and Human Performance
Research Focus
Aboard the International Space System, astronauts face elevated levels of CO2 due to their confined spaces. It has been found that these elevated levels of CO2 are linked to increases in cognition deficits and headaches along with a negative impact on the clearance of waste from the brain. Astronauts have to carry out Extra Vehicular Activities in space to operate robotic arms, land shuttles, and carry out repairs. These EVAs are important for space flight and research so the main purpose of this research project is to gain a further understanding as to how increased CO2 levels may impact the reaction time of an astronaut for them to most efficiently carry out their tasks.
Responsibilities
In this project I will quantify acute changes in reaction time caused by changes in percent of CO2 inhaled, analyze DANA data to calculate cognition efficiency based on time completion and accuracy, and analyze the subject's vitals to gain a deeper understanding on the body's reaction to elevated CO2 levels. I've gained further proficiency through the use of Excel to help me further analyze the data in order to create pivot tables.
