CV for Andrew C. Schuerger

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology, Aug. 1991; University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, GPA: 3.75.
  • Master of Science in Plant Pathology, May 1981; University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, GPA: 3.85.
  • Bachelor of Science in Plant Pathology, May 1979; University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, GPA: 3.45.

Professional Experience

  • Research Assistant Professor, Mars Astrobiology and Plant Pathology of Bioregenerative Advanced Life Support (ALS) Systems, Dept. of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Laboratory, Kennedy Space Center, FL. October 2003 to present.
    • Responsibilities: Current research emphasis is on (a) the survival, growth, and adaptation of terrestrial microorganisms in simulated martian conditions, b) the remote detection of extant microbial life (if present) in endolithic and epilithic environments on Mars, c) the effects of hypobaric environments on the growth and development of plants in Mars analog soils. Research has been funded by NASA’s Planetary Protection Office, Office of Biological and Physical Research, Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Discretionary Research Program, and the US Dept. of Energy (total received since 1997 = $ 1.62 million). In addition, Dr. Schuerger is working on various projects in Mars astrobiology, bioregenerative life support systems, remote sensing of plant stress, control of plant pathogens in closed environment agricultural systems, and the development of plant and microbial bioassays for determining the biosafety of returned Mars samples .
  • Project Manager, Mars Astrobiology and Plant Pathology of Bioregenerative ALS , Dynamac Corporation, Kennedy Space Center, FL. September 1997 - 2003.
    • Responsibilities: During the six years at Dynamac, Dr. Schuerger managed three NASA grants in which the collaborative teams studied the survival of terrestrial microorganisms and plants under simulated Martian conditions. Other research activities included research on the remote sensing of endolithic microbial communities in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments, the development of a remote sensing system for bioregenerative ALS systems, the effects of Mars UV irradiation on the survival of terrestrial microorganisms on spacecraft surfaces, and planetary protection issues pertaining to sample-return programs.
  • Senior Scientist, Plant Pathology , Science & Technology Office, The Land, Epcot, Lake Buena Vista, FL. February 1982 - August 1997.
    • Responsibilities: Research programs were developed for the control of bacterial, fungal, viral, and nematode pathogens in hydroponic systems. Research included projects on the following pathosystems: tomato mosaic virus in peppers, Erwinia carotovora on cucurbits, Fusarium solani on beans, Pythium spp. on peppers, biological control of root-knot nematodes, use of filtration and ozonation to control root pathogens in recirculating hydroponic systems, and the effects of silicon on the suppression of powdery mildew on cucurbits. In addition, space biology research was conducted in cooperation with NASA scientists in areas of plant allelopathy, effects of spectral quality on plant growth and plant disease development, microbial survival in space, and ALS related systems design and operation.
  • Electron Microscopy Technician , Plant Pathology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. May 1977 - June 1979.
    • Responsibilities: Standard SEM and TEM techniques were used to study nematode-plant interactions. Electron microscopy techniques included fixation, dehydration, critical point drying, embedding, ultra-thin sectioning, and operation of SEM and TEM equipment.

Teaching Experience

  • Life Sciences Summer Student Internship Program, Guest lecturer on Mars Astrobiology and ALS concepts for annual summer student internship programs at KSC, FL. Since 1992.
  • Concepts in ALS Microbiology and Plant Pathology , Guest lecturer in an undergraduate space biology course taught by Dr. Christopher Brown, NC State University, each November since 1995.
  • Introduction to Scientific Photography , 3-day workshops, Science and Technology Office, The Land, Epcot, Lake Buena Vista, FL. November 1994 and May 1995.
  • Concepts in Greenhouse IPM and Plant Pathology , Student lecture series, Science and Technology Office, The Land, Epcot. May 1983 - August 1997.
  • Teaching Assistant , Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson. January 1980 - May 1981.
    • Responsibilities: Prepared and maintained lab and research equipment used in three graduate plant pathology classes; and assisted in the demonstration and instruction of research hardware(electrophoresis, atomic absorption, gas chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, cell histology, electron microscopy, and scientific photography).

Grant and Contract Management

  • UCF/UF Space Research Initiative Grant (#20020023/21988; jointly funded by University of Central Florida and University of Florida); “Survival, Ecology, and Detection of Endolithic Microbial Communities under Simulated Martian Environmental Conditions.” Grant value: $210K for 2004.
    • Research: The collaborators on this project are Drs. Dan Britt (UCF), Laura Woodney (UCF), and Wayne Nicholson (UF). The project has been studying the effects of Martian conditions on (a) the remote sensing of Mars analog rocks and soils, (b) the detection of endolithic microbial communities in Mars analog rocks, (c) the growth of terrestrial bacteria within Mars analog rocks, and (d) the internal atmospheric conditions within the void spaces of Mars analog rocks. Results will help constrain the search for life on Mars and may contribute to the qualitative and quantitative characterization of Mars rocks and soils as imaged from the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
  • JPL/NASA (#JPL-GJT-569274); "Effects of Diffuse UV Irradiation on the Survival of Terrestrial Bacteria on Spacecraft Components." Grant Value: $115 K for FY2002 - FY2004.
    • Research: A collaborative project is underway with Drs. Peter Smith and Roger Tanner ( U. of Arizona) and Charles Cockell (British Antarctic Survey) to study the effects of diffuse and reflected UV irradiation on the survival of terrestrial bacteria on spacecraft components. Results have suggested that the combined effects of the direct, diffuse, and reflected UV levels on Mars (190-400 nm) will provide adequate UV irradiation to inactivate most common terrestrial bacteria found on spacecraft surfaces. Complete sterilization (> 6 decade reductions in viable bioloads) of most microbial species can be achieved on the upper and lower surfaces of spacecraft on Mars within a few Sols independent of latitudinal position of the landers, solar zenith angles, or optical depths of the Martian atmosphere.
  • NASA Research Grant (#ROSS-99 NRA 99-OSS-01); "Survival of Terrestrial Microorganisms on Spacecraft Components and Analog Mars Soils under Simulated Martian Conditions." Grant Value: $ 414 K for FY2000 - FY2004.
    • Research: A collaborative project is underway with Drs. Rocco Mancinelli, Lynn Rothschild, Chris McKay (all from NASA/Ames Research Center), and Roger Kern (NASA/JPL) to study the survival of terrestrial microorganism on spacecraft materials under simulated Martian conditions. Experimental conditions have included Mars-normal atmospheric pressure and gas composition, diurnal temperature fluctuations, and the UV, VIS, and NIR fluence rates on the martian surface estimated for an equatorial lander mission. Experiments were conducted within a Mars Simulation Chamber at the Kennedy Space Center, FL. The Mars chamber is a low-pressure vessel in which Mars-normal conditions of gas composition, temperature, pressure, and UV irradiation can be precisely controlled for any location on the surface of the planet. Results indicated that gas composition and temperature have no effect, and low pressure only a minor effect, on bacterial survival under simulated Martian conditions. Greater than 99% of the biocidal activity on the surface of Mars is due to UV irradiation.
  • NASA Research Grant (#AO-99-HEDS-01-032); "Use of Induced-Fluorescence Imaging and Green Fluorescent Proteins to Monitor the Health of Terrestrial Plants under Simulated Martian Environments." Grant Value: $368 K for FY2000 - FY2003.
    • Research: A collaborative project is underway with Drs. Anna-Lisa Paul and Rob Ferl ( University of Florida), Ken Corey ( Massachusetts), Doug Ming (NASA, JSC), and Horton Newsom ( University of New Mexico) to determine the effects of low pressures on growth and development of the alpine plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. The research was funded as a ground-based demonstration project for the payload development program within Code S, NASA. Transgenic lines of A. thaliana were developed with green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes attached to plant stress promoter genes sensitive to specific soil stressing agents likely to be found in actual Mars regolith. A remote sensing imaging system was developed to monitor the expression of GFP reporter genes and to monitor the general health of A. thaliana plants exposed to phytotoxic soil factors in Martian regolith (e.g., CaCO 3, CaSO 4, acid sulfate, and mineral salts). Results have indicated that plants can survive at pressures as low as 25 mb, but are subject to rapid death if the water balance to roots is disrupted. Nominal plant growth was achieved at pressures nearer to 100 mb. The effects of hypobaria on plant physiology and gene expression in A. thaliana do not appear to be due solely to hypoxia at low pressures.
  • U. S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) Grant (#DE-AC08-96NV11718); "Detection of Plant Stress using Spectral Reflectance, Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging (LIFI), and Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy (LIFS) Technologies."Sub-contract Value: $516K for FY1997 - FY2002.
    • Research: Multidisciplinary research was conducted in collaboration with several other scientists from academia and industry to compare laser-induced fluorescence imaging (LIFI), laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS), and two hyperspectral imaging systems for their effectiveness and sensitivities for detecting plant diseases caused by biological and non-biological stressing agents. The primary plant species were bahia grass, bean, wheat, and tobacco plants. The primary stressing agents were high and low concentrations of zinc, pH, and copper; plant viruses; plant root pathogens; and environmental perturbations. Results indicated that spectral reflectance was more reliable than LIFI or LIFS for the detection of multiple stresses on several different species of plants.
  • Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)between NASA at Kennedy Space Center and Epcot Center; originally signed in 1987 and renewed every 2 years.
    In-Kind Support: Average annual budget from 1987-1996 was $ 37,000.
    • Responsibilities: Dr. Schuerger co-managed the negotiations between NASA and Epcot Center in drafting a working Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations; and subsequently, managed additions or deletions from the MOU during each 2-year renewal cycle. Research projects included studies on allelopathic interactions between wheat and tomato in hydroponic systems, effects of red and blue light (using LED technologies) on plant growth and disease development, and effects of temperature and pH on the development of the fungal root pathogen, Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli, on mung beans grown in hydroponic systems.

Collaborative Projects (Not directly funded by NASA or DOE grants.)

  • Survival and Adaptation of Chroococcidiopsis sp. to Simulated Martian Environmental Conditions, October 2002 - 2004. Collaborators: Dr. Charlie Cockell, British Antarctic Survey.
    • Research: The cyanobacterium, Chroococcidiopsis sp., colonizes endolithic and epilithic niches in polar and high-altitude deserts. It is extremely resistant to desiccation, extremes in temperatures, and high UV fluence rates. We used it as a model for studying the potential limits for life on Mars in lithic environments. Results indicated that Chroococcidiopsis sp. is able to survive the low pressure, low temperature, and high CO 2 atmosphere on Mars, but would be inactivated within 1-5 minutes on the surface if directly exposed to Mars-normal UV fluence rates.
  • Microbial Contamination of an Arctic Basecamp by Human-Associated Microorganisms, July 1999 - July 2001. Collaborators: Drs. Charlie Cockell, British Antarctic Survey; Pascal Lee, SETI Institute; and Jeff Jones, NASA, Johnson Space Center.
    • Research: Environmental contamination by human-associated microorganisms was measured inside and outside human habitats at a high Arctic basecamp during each of three field seasons. The objective of the research was to determine the extent of contamination around the basecamp caused by the shedding of human-associated microorganisms during normal basecamp operations. The results will be used to predict the possibility of microbial contamination around a future human basecamp on Mars. The research was carried out as part of the international research activities at the Haughton meteorite impact crater on Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada. Results indicated that human-associated microorganisms were not widely disseminated beyond basecamp tents in which food, water, or waste products were handled, suggesting that human-associated microbes on Mars might not be widely dispersed around a Martian basecamp.
  • Effects of Spectral Quality on Plant Growth and Plant Disease Development , July 1991 - July 1996. Collaborators: Drs. Christopher Brown, Dynamac Corp.; Monica Sanwo, NASA Research Fellowship; and Mark Turner, NASA-Ames Research Center; and Mr. Jeff Richards, Dynamac Corp., KSC, FL.
    • Research: Light-emitting diodes (LED’s) have been proposed as primary light sources for microgravity plant growth chambers. Our research studied the effects of different spectral regimes on plant growth and development in cucumber, lettuce, pepper, and tomato plants. In addition, the research investigated the effects of red and blue light on disease development of tomato mosaic virus on peppers, powdery mildew on cucumbers, and bacterial wilt of tomatoes. Results indicated that LED lighting systems might affect both plant growth and disease development in common vegetable species proposed for future Missions to Mars.
  • Long-term Survival of Epiphytic Bacteria on Seed Stored on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) in Low-Earth Orbit for 69 months , April 1986 - Jan. 1991. Collaborators: Drs. Joseph Angelo, U. S. Air Force, Patrick Air Force Base, FL; Lexie McKently, The Land, Epcot, Lake Buena Vista, FL.
    • Research: The research studied the survival rates of epiphytic bacteria adhering to seed stored on the LDEF satellite for 69 months in a low-earth orbit. Results indicated that radiation dosages for the flight seeds were approximately 190-200 rads while ground controls were exposed to < 0.5 rads. However, bacterial survival rates, seed germination rates, and embryogenesis of seed cotyledons were slightly higher in the flight-exposed seeds compared to the ground control seeds.

Professional Affiliations

American Association for the Advancement of Science

American Phytopathological Society

American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology

International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life

Planetary Society

NASA Astrobiology Institute

Personal Information

Born: July 1, 1956, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Marital status: Married.

Hobbies: Photography, flying (private certificate), ice hockey, racquetball, rollerblading, hiking, camping, music, art, reading, scuba diving, and travel.

Astrobiology Publications

Plant Pathology Publications

    • Hines, R., Prince, R., Muller, E., and Schuerger, A. C. 1990. A thin film hydroponic system for plant studies. ASAE paper No. 90-4035, Annual Meeting of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers., St. Joseph, MI.
    • Pategas, K. G., Schuerger, A. C., and Wetter, C. 1989. Management of tomato mosaic virus on hydroponically grown peppers (Capsicum annuum). Plant Disease 73:570-573.
    • Richards, J., Schuerger, A. C., Capelle, G., and Guikema, J. A. 2003. Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) of light- and dark-adapted bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants grown under three lighting intensities and fluctuating lighting conditions. Remote Sens. Environ. 84(3):323-341.
    • Schuerger, A. C. 1991. Effects of temperature and hydrogen ion concentration on disease caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli in Vigna radiata grown in hydroponic nutrient solution. Ph.D. dissertation. University of Florida, Gainesville. 243 pp.
    • Schuerger, A. C. 1992. Alternative methods for controlling root diseases in hydroponic systems. Pages 8-17 in: Proceeding of the 13th Annual Conference on Hydroponics. Hydroponic Society of America, Orlando, FL April 9-12, 1992.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Batzer, J. C. 1993. Identification and host range of a bacterial stem rot of hydroponically grown plants. Plant Disease 77:472-477.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Hammer, W. 1995. Effects of temperature on disease development of tomato mosaic virus in Capsicum annuum in hydroponic systems. Plant Disease 79:880-885.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Hammer, W. 2003. Suppression of powdery mildew, Sphaerotheca fuliginea, on cucumber by the addition of silicon to hydroponic nutrient solutions. Plant Disease 87:177-185.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and McClure, M. A. 1983. Ultrastructural changes induced by Scutellonemabrachyurum in potato roots. Phytopathology 73:70-81.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Mitchell, D. J. 1992. Effects of temperature, hydrogen ion concentration, humidity, and light quality on disease severity of Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli. Can. J. Bot. 70:1798-1808.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Mitchell, D. J. 1992. Effects of temperature and hydrogen ion concentration on attachment of macroconidia of Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli to roots of mung bean in hydroponic nutrient solution. Phytopathology 82:1311-1319.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Mitchell. D. J. 1993. Influence of mucilage secreted by macroconidia of Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli on spore attachment to roots of Vigna radiata in hydroponic nutrient solution. Phytopathology 83:1162-1170.
    • Schuerger, A. C., Mitchell, D. J., and Kaplan, D. T. 1993. Influence of carbon source on attachment and germination of macroconidia of Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli on roots of Vigna radiata grown in hydroponic nutrient solution. Phytopathology 83:1171-1177.
    • Schuerger, A. C., Capelle, G. A., De Benedetto, J. A., Mao, C., Thai, C. N., Evans, M. D., Richards, J., Blank, T., and Stryjewski, E. C. 2003. Comparison of two hyperspectral imaging and two laser-induced fluorescence instruments for the detection of zinc stress and chlorophyll concentration in bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge.). Remote Sens. Environ. 84(4):572-588.
    • Serracin, M., Schuerger, A. C., and Dickson, D. W. 1997. Effects of temperature on the development of Pasteuria penetrans in Meloidogyne arenaria, race 2. J. Nematology 29:228-238.
    • Thai, C. N., Evans, M. D., and Schuerger, A. C. 1999. Spectral imaging of bahia grass grown under different zinc and copper treatments. ASAE Paper #993171.

Abstracts and Non-referred Publications

    • Batzer, J. C. and Schuerger, A. C. 1986. Influence of temperature, vapor pressure deficit and inoculation method on infection of squash plants by Erwinia carotovora. Phytopathology 76:1117.
    • Briere, S. C., Schuerger, A. C., and Coston, C. J. 1996. Ozonation of nutrient solution in recirculated hydroponic systems for the management of Pythium myriotylum. Phytopathology 86:S30.
    • Brown, C. S., and Schuerger, A. C. 1992. Growth and photosynthesis of pepper plants under light-emitting diodes. ASGSB Bulletin 6:52.
    • Brown, C. S., and Schuerger, A. C. 1993. Growth of pepper, cucumber, and lettuce under light-emitting diodes. Plant Physiology 102:88.
    • Hewlitt, T. E., Schuerger, A. C., Dickson, D. W. 1998. Development of a soil suppressive to Meloidogyne arenaria with Pasteuria penetrans. Soc. of Nematologists, St. Louis, MO.
    • Pategas, K. G., and Schuerger, A. C. 1986. Evaluation of resistance of Capsicumannuum cultivars to a tobamovirus isolated from aeroponically grown peppers in Florida. Phytopathology. 76:1121.
    • Richards, J. T., Schuerger, A. C., and Corey, K. 2001. CO 2 exchange rates of Arabidopsis thaliana under low-pressure environments: CO 2 sensor sensitivity to low-pressure affects interpretation of results. ASGSB Bulletin 15(1): 67.
    • Sanwo, M. M., Richards J. T., Schuerger, A. C., and Brown, C. S. 1996. Control of pepper growth and carbohydrate metabolism with red and blue light. ASGSB Bulletin 10(1):54.
    • Schuerger, A. C. and Pategas, K. G. 1984. Management of two Pythium spp. in hydroponic lettuce production. Phytopathology 74:796.
    • Schuerger, A. C. 1986. Potential and experimental plant microbe interactions in space. Presented to the American Phytopathological Society, August 13, 1986.
    • Schuerger, A. C. 1995. Effects of temperature on disease development of tomato mosaic virus in Capsicum annuum in hydroponic systems. 4th Biennial Florida Phytopathological Society Meetings, Gainesville, FL, May 9-10.
    • Schuerger, A. C. 1996. Spectral quality affects the development of three pathogens on hydroponically grown plants. Phytopathology 86(11):S14.
    • Schuerger, A. C. 1998. Application of basic concepts in plant pathogenesis suggests minimal risk for return of extraterrestrial samples from Mars. In Lunar & Planetary Science XXIX, Abstract # 1312, Lunar & Planetary Institute, Houston, TX.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Batzer, J. C. 1984. An Erwinia sp. stem rot of hydroponic cucurbits and crucifers. Phytopathology. 74:857-858.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Brown, C. S. 1996. Spectral quality affects the development of three pathogens on hydroponically grown plants. Phytopathology 86:S14.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Brown. 1992. Spectral quality may be used to alter plant disease development in CELSS. COSPAR, World Space Conference, Washington, D. C. August, 1992.
    • Schuerger, A. C., Ferl, R., McKay, C. 2002. OASIS-1: A Scout mission proposal for conducting plant biology and evolution experiments on Mars. 5 th International Conference of the Mars Society, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.
    • Schuerger, A. C., Kaplan, D. T., and Mitchell, D. J. 1991. Effects of carbon source on macroconidium germination and spore attachment to root surfaces by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli in hydroponic nutrient solution. Phytopathology. 81:1195.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Kern, R. G. 2004. Hydrophobic surfaces of spacecraft components enhance the aggregation of microorganisms and may lead to higher survival rates of bacteria on Mars. In Lunar & Planetary Science XXXV, Abstract # 1139, 35 th Lunar and Planetary Sci. Conf., Houston, TX.
    • Schuerger, A. C., Mancinelli, R. L., Kern, R. G., Rothschild, L. J., and McKay, C. P. 2002. Survival of Bacillus subtilis on spacecraft materials under simulated Martian environments. International J. of Astrobiology 1(2): 161-162.
    • Schuerger, A. c., and McClure, M. A. 1982. Ultrastructural changes in Scutellonema brachyurum in roots of potato, Solanum tuberosum. J. Nematol. 14(4):469.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Mitchell, D. J. 1990. Effect of temperature and pH on spore attachment of Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli on Vigna radiata in hydroponic systems. Phytopathology. 80:971.
    • Schuerger, A. C., Norman, B. L., and Angelo, J. A. 1991. Survival of epiphytic bacteria from seed stored on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Page 1637 in: LDEF - 69 Months in Space: First Post-Retrieval Symposium. NASA Conference Publication 3134, part 3.
    • Schuerger, A. C., and Pategas, K. G. 1984. Management of two Pythium species in hydroponic lettuce production. Phytopathology. 74:796.
    • Schuerger, A. C., Richards, J. T., Newcombe, D. A., and Venkateswaran, K. J. 2004. Survival of seven Bacillus spp. under simulated Mars UV irradiation suggests minimum forward contamination around landing sites. International J. Astrobiology 2004(Supplemental 1):77.