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Indian American student named finalist for ISS study
The winning research experiment will be chosen for execution aboard the ISS later this year.
Rahi Kashikar/ISS / LinkedIn/ISS
Florida Institute of Technology has named Indian American student Rahi Kashikar among the finalists for an experiment set to be conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Kashikar, a senior majoring in astrobiology, is part of the research team behind the experiment titled Transfer of Ribozymes in Asteroid Halite. The project is among three selected under Florida Tech’s inaugural Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) to advance to the national SSEP board.
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Kashikar and her research partner, Elizabeth Hayes, a senior majoring in astronomy and astrophysics, are investigating how ribozymes—RNA molecules with catalytic properties—behave in asteroid halite under microgravity conditions. Their study aims to enhance understanding of biochemical processes in extraterrestrial environments, potentially contributing to the field of astrobiology.
The SSEP selection committee, comprising Florida Tech faculty and administrators, reviewed 11 proposals submitted by student teams. "The margins between most of these proposals were extremely small," said Andrew Palmer, a faculty member overseeing the SSEP initiative. "Committee members were impressed with the attention to detail and the hard work students clearly put into their proposals."
Kashikar, who has been actively involved in undergraduate research at Florida Tech, has a background in interdisciplinary studies, blending astrobiology with mathematical sciences. She previously participated in NASA's L’SPACE Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience, gaining hands-on exposure to technical research and proposal development.
Beyond academics, Kashikar is involved in various student organizations, including the Astrobiological Research and Education Society and the Indian Students Association.
Kashikar is pursuing a bachelor of science in astrobiology and mathematical sciences at Florida Institute of Technology. She previously studied physics and electrical engineering at the same institution and completed her high school education at Jnana Prabodhini Prashala and Maharashtra Technical Education Society Junior College in India.
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