Serena Auñòn-Chancellor, MD, MPH

Education and Training

• The George Washington University, Bachelors (Electrical Engineering), 1997
• The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, MD (Medical Doctorate), 2001
• The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, MPH (Masters in Public Health), 2006

Professional Certifications

• American Board of Internal Medicine: Recertified 10/2013
• American Board of Preventive Medicine (Aerospace Medicine): Recertified 1/1/2018
• Flight surgeon for the space program
• NASA Astronaut
• Served 197 days on the International Space Station

Research Interests

• Thrombosis in microgravity
• Space radiation and its clinical effects on humans
• The major medical challenges facing astronauts during exploration class missions.

Awards, Recognition and Service

• Aerospace Medical Association - The Joe Kerwin Award Established in honor of Joseph P. Kerwin, the first physician/astronaut. It is presented for advances in the understanding of human physiology during spaceflight and innovation in the practice of space medicine to support optimal human health and performance in space. (2022)
• The George Washington University Bicentennial Monumental Alumna Award Awarded to alumni who have made an impact on the world through their work and service and who embody the ideals of the university (2021)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Distinguished Service Medal In recognition of distinguished contribution as a Flight Engineer of the Expedition 56/57 crew aboard the International Space Station (2018)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Space Flight Medal For crewmember participation towards the success of the mission during Expedition 56/57 (2018)
• Hall of Fame Inductee Space Camp USA (2017)
• Outstanding Volunteer Clinical Faculty Texas Alpha Chapter of AΩA (2017)
• Most Promising Engineer Great Minds in STEM (2011)
• Outstanding Overall UTMB Resident Award University of Texas Medical Branch (2007)
• Julian E.Ward Memorial Award Aerospace Medical Association (2007)
• William K. Douglas Scholarship Award Department of Aerospace Medicine University of Texas Medical Branch (2006)
• Thomas N. and Gleaves James Award in Aerospace Medicine University of Texas Medical Branch For Excellent Performance by a Third Year Resident in Internal Medicine (2004)
• Outstanding Performance Award University of Texas Medical Branch For Outstanding Performance by a Second Year Resident in Internal Medicine (2003)
• Outstanding Performance Award University of Texas Medical Branch For Outstanding Performance in Outpatient Internal Medicine Clinic (2004)
• Outstanding Performance Award University of Texas Medical Branch For Outstanding Performance in Outpatient Internal Medicine Clinic (2003)
• Presidential Honors Scholarship The George Washington University (1993–1997)
• National Hispanic Merit Scholar (1993)

Memberships

• Member, Tau Beta Pi – The National Engineering Honor Society (1993-Present)
• Fellow, American College of Physicians (07/2004-Present)
• Associate Fellow, Aerospace Medical Association (07/2002-Present)
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (Inducted 2005)

Representative Publications

Fernandez WL, Blue RS, Harrison MF, Powers W, Shah R, Auñon-Chancellor S. Centrifuge-simulated spaceflight after aortic valve replacement and atrial septal defect repair. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(2):1–9. (In Press)

Reeves IA, Blue RS, Aunon-Chancellor SM, et al.  Tolerance of Centrifuge-Simulated Commercial Spaceflight in a Subject with Hemophilia A.  Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance, Vol 94(6), July 2023.

Chancellor J, Chesal M, Blue RS, Aunon-Chancellor SM.  Novel Tetrahedral Human Phantoms for Space Radiation Dose Assessment.  Nature Microgravity, In Review, 2023.

Blue RS, Ong KM, Ray K, Menon A, Mateus J, Aunon-Chancellor SM, et al. Layperson Physiological Tolerance and Operational Performance in Centrifuge-Simulated Spaceflight: Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance, In Press, 2023.

Willey JS, Aunon-Chancellor SM, Miles LA, Moore JE, Mao XW, Wallace RW, Foy MC.  Alpha-Klotho decreases after reduced weight-bearing from both spaceflight and hindlimb unloading.  Nature Microgravity, 18 (2022).

Zwart SR, Aunon-Chancellor SM, Heer M, et al. Albumin, Oral Contraceptives, and Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Astronauts  Journal of Applied Physiology:  Respiratory, Environmental and Exercise Physiology, April 202

Steller J, Blue RS, Zahner C, Frisch EH, Bayuse T, Aunon-Chancellor SM, Jennings RT;Menstrual Management Considerations in the Space Environment  Reviews in Human Space Exploration 23-34 (2021)

Chancellor JC, Nowadly C, Williams J, Aunon-Chancellor SM, Chesal M, Looper J, Newhauser W; Everything you wanted to know about space radiation but were afraid to ask  Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C 39(2), 113-128, 2021

Stahl-Rommel S, Jain M, Nguyen HN, Arnold RR, Aunon-Chancellor SM et al.  Real-Time Culture Independent Microbial Profiling Onboard the International Space Station Using Nanopore Sequencing. 
Genes 12(1), 106, 2021

Aunon-Chancellor SM, Pattarini JM, Moll S, Sargsyan A; Venous thrombosis during spaceflight
New England Journal of Medicine 382(1), 89-90, 2020

Aunon-Chancellor SM Earthling Annals of Internal Medicine 171(12), 937-938, 201

Makedonas G, Mehta S, Chouker A, Simpson RJ, Marshall G, Orange JS, Aunon-Chancellor, SM et al.
Specific immunologic countermeasure protocol for deep-space exploration missions  Frontiers in Immunology 10, 2407, 2019

Marshall-Goebel K, Laurie SS, Alferova IV, Arbeille P, Aunon-Chancellor SM, et al. Assessment of jugular venous blood flow stasis and thrombosis during spaceflight  JAMA network open 2(11); 2019

Chancellor JC, Blue RS, Cengel KA, Aunon-Chancellor SM, Rubins KH, Katzgraber HG, Kennedy AR.  Limitations in predicting the space radiation health risk for exploration astronauts.  Nature Microgravity Apr; 1(4) 1-11 (2018)

Chancellor JC, Aunon SM, Charles J. Medical Implications of Space Radiation Exposure due to low altitude polar orbits  Aerospace Medicine & Human Performance, Jan 1; 89(1):3-8 (2018)

Jennings RT, Murphy DM, Ware DL, Aunon, SM, Moon RE, Bogomolov, VV, Morgun VV,

Voronkov YI, Fife, CE, Boyars MC, Ernst RD.  Medical Qualification of a commercial spaceflight participant:  not your average astronaut. Aviat Space Environ Med 2006; 77:475-484

Reinertson RC, Nelson VA, Aunon SM, Schlegel TT, Lindgren KN, Kerstman EL, Arya M, Paloski WH. Medical monitoring during the NASA Artificial Gravity – Bed Rest Pilot Study. J Gravit Physiol 2007; Jul;14(1):P9-13

Sulemanjee NZ, Merla R, Lick SD, Aunon SM, Taylor M, Manson M, Czer LS, Schwarz ER. The first year post-heart transplantation; use of immunosuppressive drugs and early complications. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Mar;13(1):13-31

Book Chapters:

Banks R, Aunon SM, Mumbower A. “The Role of the Flight Surgeon in Spacecraft Accident Investigations” in Principles of Clinical Medicine for Space Flight, Barratt MR, Pool SL (eds).  Springer 2021.

INVITED KEYNOTE ADDRESSES, LECTURES AT SYMPOSIA & CONFERENCES, GRAND ROUNDS, COMMENCEMENT ADDRESSES, INTERVIEWS, PODCASTS, AND MEDIA APPEARANCES:

Lectures include keynote addresses at the White House and Defense Intelligence Agency, and both national and international invited talks at conferences, seminars, and colloquia.

Layperson Physiological Tolerance and Operational Performance in Centrifuge Simulated Spaceflight

Panel Moderator & Introductory Lecture – Annual Aerospace Medicine Scientific Meeting, New Orleans, LA – 5/2023

Physiological Tolerance in Centrifuge-Simulated Spaceflight After Aortic Valve Replacement

Annual Aerospace Medicine Scientific Meeting, New Orleans, LA -- 5/2023

Introduction to Aerospace Medicine

Our Lady of the Lake Medical Staff Meeting – 4/2023

Research on board the International Space Station

LSU Science Café 10^th Anniversary Keynote Speaker – 1/2023

Flown ISS Physician Astronaut Invited Panelist

World Extreme Medicine Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland – 11/2022

Space Medicine

NEJM 360 Podcast Invited Speaker – 11/2022

Invited Panelist, Independence Blue Cross Hispanic Heritage Month Event – 11/2022

From Flight Surgeon to Astronaut

NASA – Johnson Space Center Aerospace Medicine Clerkship – 10/2022

Introduction to Aerospace Medicine for Nursing Professionals

UTMB – School of Nursing, Invited Seminar – 10/2022

Pharmaceutical Use on the International Space Station

Aerospace Medicine Course – Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL – 9/2022

The Future of Medicine & Surgery in Space

2022 Edelstone-Bendix Lecture, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University – 6/2022

 Interview with Newsweek en Español

Interview to talk about career, how the latest space technologies are transforming medicine, lessons learned in space and how we inspire the next generation of leaders.  For a special Medicine of the Future issue which reaches about 1 million readers – 5/2022

Practical Aspects of Medications & Administration on The International Space Station

International Space University – Student Lecture – 04/2022

Deep Space Initiative Astronaut Health & Performance Panel

Deep Space Initiative Institute – 04/2022

Introduction to Aerospace Medicine

University of California – San Diego, Space Medicine Course Guest Speaker – 12/2021

The Art of Medicine on The International Space Station

University of College London – Wilderness Medicine Society – 12/2021

International Space Medicine Summit – Panel Moderator

Rice University – The Baker Institute – 11/2021

NASA Symposium – Spaceflight for Everybody – Practical Aspects as a Woman Living Aboard ISS

National Aeronautics and Space Administration – 11/2021

A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Bureau of Engraving & Printing – Washington D.C. – 10/2021

55^th Annual Harry G. Armstrong Lecture – Keynote Invitation

Aerospace Medical Association Annual Scientific Meeting – 09/2021

Making Space for All in STEM – Panelist

NASA International Space Station Research & Development Conference – 8/2021

Back to the Moon and on to Mars:  Research Challenges in America’s Space Program

LSU Astronomy Night – Department of Physics & Astronomy – 7/2021

My Life in Space & the Impact of Biologic Science

American Society of Echocardiography – Jules Gardin Keynote Address – 6/2021

Perception of Radiation Risk from the Astronaut Office

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Annual Meeting – Warren K. Sinclair Keynote Address – 4/2021

Astronaut Well Being:  A View from the Cupola

University of California San Francisco – Osler Mini-Medical School – 4/2021

The microbiome of the International Space Station

An interview with Scientific American – 2/202

To Mars and Beyond

Johns Hopkins University – Spaceflight Symposium – 2/2021

Radiation exposure during crewed space missions – perspective from the Astronaut Office

Presentation to the National Academies of Science – 1/2021

Challenges of research in low earth orbit – virtual student event

International Space University – 1/2021

Medicine in space and benefits to life on Earth

International Space Station National Lab – CES conference live television event – 12/2020

Q&A with an astronaut – challenges of being a woman in the space industry

Microsoft LatinX Girls in Space Workshop, virtual discussion – 12/2020

Panel discussion with expert space scientists

ISS National Lab Biomanufacturing Symposium – 11/2020

Back to the Moon and on to Mars

Houston Space Frontier Lectures, Rice University Space Institute, Department of Physics & Astronomy -11/2020

Joint Discussion with Astronaut Peggy Whitson about Stem Cell Science on ISS

New York Stem Cell Foundation Virtual Event – 10/2020

Research Challenges in America’s Space Program

University of Tasmania, Australia – 10/2020

Hispanic Americans:  A history of public service in multiple generations

NASA Headquarters – Hispanic Heritage Month, Leaders in Space Event, 9/2020

Medicine in space and benefits for Earth

Smithsonian Institution interview – 9/2020

Women in Medicine

An Interview with McGovern Medical School Alumni Magazine – 9/2020

Challenges of COVID in the Space Program

National Public Radio interview – 8/2020

Introduction to Aerospace Medicine & The Art of Medicine on board the International Space Station

The George Washington University – Space Policy Course – 4/2020

A Conversation between an astronaut and NASA’s Chief Scientist

2020 Human Research Program Investigators Workshop, Galveston, TX

Medicine in Extremes: Being a Doctor on the International Space Station

Keynote address - World Extreme Medicine Conference, Edinburg, Scotland – 11/2019

Interview with Marie Claire magazine on space hygiene – 11/2019

Science & Research on the International Space Station – Applications for the internist

American College of Physicians – Texas Chapter, Keynote Address – 10/2019

Back to the Moon and on to Mars:  Research Challenges in America’s Space Program

Louisiana State University, Department of Physics & Astronomy Colloquia – 10/2019

International Space Medicine Summit – Panel Member

James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University – 10/2019

Medical Research on the International Space Station

Louisiana Tech University – Space Grant Consortium – 9/2019

Women in STEM – Panel Discussion

Washington D.C. Braintrust Panel sponsored by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson – 9/2019

The challenges of performing science in Low Earth Orbit

ISS Research & Development Conference, Atlanta, GA – New Users Symposium – 8/2019

Interview with CNN on science performed in Low Earth Orbit

ISS Research & Development Conference, Atlanta, GA – 8/2019

Discussion on the science of spaceflight with CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta

ISS Research & Development Conference, Atlanta, GA – 8/2019

An Update on Research Aboard the International Space Station

Defense Intelligence Agency – Mastermind Lecture Series - 6/2019

Microbiology of Human Spaceflight

Johnson Space Center – Dept of Immunology Conference – 6/2019

Interview – DC comics, SuperHero Girls – 6/2019

Space medicine isn’t just for astronauts.  It’s for all of us.

Interview with CNET – 6/2019

Thrombosis in Microgravity

University of Texas Medical Branch – Combined Internal Medicine & Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds

6/2019

Tour and Discussion about living on The International Space Station with the United States Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos – 6/2019

Commencement Address – School of Medicine – The University of Texas Medical Branch, 6/2019

Commencement Address – School of Engineering and Science – The George Washington University, 5/2019

Star Trek, NASA, & the Medicine of Space

Panel Discussion at Houston Comicpalooza with invited experts including actress Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher) – 5/2019

The Future of Science in the Space Program

Panel Discussion on Board the USS Enterprise 4/2019

Interview with New Scientist about medicine and living in Low Earth Orbit

New Scientist 4/2019

Medicine in Low Earth Orbit

Baylor Summer Bioastronautics Course 4/2019

Interview and Photoshoot for The George Washington University Magazine

3/2019

Medical Challenges to Human Space Exploration

University of British Columbia, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, 3/2019

Bold Endeavours in Human Spaceflight and Exploring New Worlds

Mastermind Series Lecture, Defense Intelligence Agency, 4/2017

Update on the International Space Station: Medical Challenges of Working in Low Earth Orbit

Dr. Ann R. Kennedy Symposium to honor her contributions to Space Radiation Medicine and Radioprotection

University of Pennsylvania, 11/2016

Medical Challenges of Working in Low Earth Orbit

Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas A&M University, 5/2016

A Conversation on the Future of Medicine and Healthcare Innovation

Including discussion with The President of the United States – Barack Obama

White House Frontiers Conference, Carnegie Mellon University, 10/2016

United States Roadmap to Spaceflight

Panelist, Rice University Baker Institute, International Space Medicine Summit, 11/2015

Champions of Change – Girls in STEM

Invited lecture at the White House, Washington D.C., 9/2015

The Importance of STEM

Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, 03/2015

Spaceflight Analogs: Can we do better than the South Pole?

NASA Human Research Program Annual Meeting, Galveston, TX, 01/2015

The International Space Station:  An update on the vehicle and the challenges involving engineering, research and human physiology

Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 10/2014

Staying Fit in Space – Exercise Countermeasures

Indianapolis Health & Fitness Expo, Indianapolis, IN, 04/2014

Testing the Limits of the Human Body in Space

Indianapolis State Museum, Indianapolis, IN, 04/2014

Bold Endeavours in Human Spaceflight and Exploring New Worlds

Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 11/2013

Testing the Limits of the Human Body in Space

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University – Grand Rounds, 11/2013

From Flight Surgeon to Astronaut

Birmingham Aero Club, Birmingham, AL, 10/2013

Celebrating Women in Aviation

Women in Aviation and Space Family Heritage Days, National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC, 9/2012

Doc on the Ice: The 2010-2011 Antarctic Search for Meteorites

University of Texas Medical Branch Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds – 07/2011

Internist’s Tumor in a Pilot

Aerospace Medical Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Orlando, FL - Grand Rounds, 5/2006

Internist’s Tumor in a Pilot

Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds, Aerospace Medicine Residency Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 5/2006.

Conservative Management of Coronary Artery Disease in a Pilot:  A Success Story

Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds – NASA Johnson Space Center, 8/2005

Conservative Management of Coronary Artery Disease in a Pilot:  A Success Story

Grand Rounds- Aerospace Medical Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Kansas City, MO, 5/2005

Medical Issues for a Long Duration Mission: A presentation on medical concerns involving long duration missions and current proposed countermeasures

Internal Medicine Resident’s Noon Conference, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 6/2003

Cardiovascular Issues in Microgravity: A presentation on current problems faced by NASA involving cardiovascular concerns (i.e. orthostatic hypotension, various countermeasures)

Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 2/2003.

ACLS in Microgravity:  A presentation on current strategies involving Advanced Cardiac Life Support in the 0g environment

Internal Medicine Resident’s Noon Conference, Department of Internal Medicine-UTMB, 6/2002.

Surgery  in Microgravity:  A presentation on current strategies involving performing Surgery in the 0g environment NASA Aerospace Medicine Clinical Clerkship, NASA-Johnson Space Center, 10/2000.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & FACULTY APPOINTMENTS:

 

National Academies – Standing Committee on Aerospace Medicine  and the Medicine of Extreme Environments.    2023-Present
-Inducted 2023-

American Board of Preventive Medicine –
Aerospace Medicine Exam Subcommittee 2022 – present

Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
Louisiana State University – Internal Medicine Residency Program
Baton Rouge, LA 2019 – present

Program Director
Aerospace Medicine Residency Program
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 2022 – present

Expert Member – Virgin Galactic Medical Advisory Board 2019 – present

Expert Member – Axiom Medical Advisory Board 2023 – present

Expert Member – Star Harbor Medical Advisory Board 2023—present

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 2019 – present

Bioethics Advisory Panel

 Flight Engineer, NASA Expedition 57

International Space Station, Low Earth Orbit 2018

Flight Engineer, NASA Expedition 56

International Space Station, Low Earth Orbit 2018

Faculty Provider
UTMB Urgent Care Clinics
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX    2015 – 2019

Astronaut
NASA
Johnson Space Center, Houston TX 2009 – present

NASA Flight Surgeon

Space Shuttle & International Space Station Programs
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX

Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Houston, TX 2006 – 2009
Coordinator, NASA Flight Surgeon Clinical Currency Program

Department of Preventative Medicine & Community Health

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston,TX 2006 – 2007

Clinical Assistant Professor

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine
University of Texas Medicine Branch, Galveston, TX 2004 – present

Commercial Spaceflight Physician

Commercial Spaceflight Participant Support

Space Adventures and University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 2004 – present

TEACHING EXPERIENCE/RESPONSIBILITIES:

School of Medicine
Medicine Clerkship 3rd year Student Lecture Series
Lectures on DVT/PE 2019 – present

Faculty Supervisor
SCOPE (Student Continuity of Practice Experience)
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 2016 – 2018

Faculty Supervisor
Chevron Houston Marathon Medical Support
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 2014 – present

Invited Speaker

Center for Space Medicine Summer Bioastronautics Program

Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 2014 – present

Invited Speaker

Medicine in Extreme Environments – Antarctica & NEEMO

UTMB Aerospace Medicine Short Course, Galveston, TX 2011 – present

Faculty Supervisor

Wings Over Houston Airshow Medical Support Team

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 2010 – present

Faculty Supervisor & Advisory Board Member
St. Vincent’s Student Run Free Medical Clinic
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 2007 – presen

Graduate Medical Education

LSU Resident Lecture Series

Aerospace Medicine & Extreme Environments 2019 – present

Expeditionary Behavior

Faculty Supervisor & Editor

The Evangeline – LSU Baton Rouge Internal Medicine Publication 2020 – present

Chairman
Aerospace Medicine Program - Clinical Competency Committee
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 2020 – present

NASA OPERATIONAL & ASTRONAUT EXPERIENCE:

Flight Engineer – Expedition 56 & 57

International Space Station – Low Earth Orbit

197 days duration 2018

Aquanaut & Operational Crew

NEEMO 20 Mission

NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 2015

Chief of the Medical Branch

Astronaut Crew Branch

NASA, Johnson Space Center 2012 – 2013

Pilot, Deepwater Submersible

NEEMO 16 Mission

NASA Extreme Environment

NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 2012

T-38 Navigator
More than 500 hours in NASA T-38 Training Jet 2011 – 2019

ISS Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM)

Mission Control, NASA Johnson Space Center

Houston, TX 2011 – 2019

Operational Crew & Scientist

ANSMET Expedition, Meteorite Search

South Pole, Antarctica 2010 – 2011

Critical Care Air Transport Team training

Brooks City Base, San Antonio, TX 2007

Basic Aviation Medical Examiner Certification

Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma City, OK 2006 & 2018