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Stefanie Countryman is a Research Associate and the Director of BioServe Space Technologies, a Center within the Ann and HJ Smead Aerospace Engineering and Science Department. Ms. Countryman has worked for the Center for 20 years and has expertise in translating ground-based life science research into space-based life science research.  While she has experience with the translation of many different types of life science experiments, mammalian cell culture in particular, is her area of expertise and focus. Recently she has been involved with experiments examining microgravity effects on proximal tubule epithelial cells of the kidneys, induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells.  Each experiment seeks to utilize the microgravity environment as a model for different types of human disease, including aging, in order to seek more effective treatments for people on Earth.

If you don’t try or ask, it for sure won’t happen.

One thing you are willing to spend way too much money on?

Sushi.

What do you like to do the most to unwind?  

Remote camping, hiking and fly fishing.

Who was the most famous person you met?

Bill Murray in an Irish Pub in Denver in 1992. He “shook” the foot of my 9-month-old son. (Don’t ask what I was doing in an Irish Pub with my 9-month-old son!)

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I wanted to be a professional ballerina for my first career. I trained for 18 years and then went to NYC for auditions with several well-known ballet companies.

Your coworkers can always count on you to...

Jump in wherever help is needed, no matter the task, in order to help get the job done.