Let's Talk Space with former NASA Division Director Prof. Dr. Marshall Porterfield

In this exciting episode Prof. Dr. Gerlich discusses Space Biophysics with Prof. Dr. Porterfield and to what extent space exploration is today realistic.

Professor D. Marshall Porterfield is a Professor of Biological Engineering and Space Biophysics at Purdue University. His pioneering work explores how living systems adapt to the biophysical environment of space, from molecular and cellular stress to whole-organism responses. He develops innovative biosensors, bio-MEMS, and lab-on-a-chip technologies to support bioregenerative life support systems for deep-space exploration.

A former NASA Division Director (2012–2016), Dr. Porterfield led the Human Research, Physical Sciences, and Space Biology programmes, initiating the GeneLab Open Science platform and the NASA Twins Study. He now serves as Science PI for the Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF) payload for NASA’s Artemis 3 mission.

Recognised among the top 2% of scientists globally by the Stanford Survey, Dr. Porterfield is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research. His career bridges engineering and physiology to advance the future of life in space.