FAMU Researcher Leads NASA-Funded Project to Advance Future Moon and Mars Exploration
$1.5 million NASA project combines chemistry and artificial intelligence while expanding research opportunities for FAMU students.
Tallahassee, Fla.—July 2, 2026— As NASA prepares for future missions to the moon and Mars, Florida A&M University researcher Beni B. Dangi, Ph.D., is leading a project that could help engineers design more reliable life-support systems for long-duration space exploration.
Dangi, associate professor of chemistry, is principal investigator of a $1.5 million NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Data Equity and Access Program (DEAP) award supporting a collaboration among Florida A&M University, NASA Glenn Research Center, Florida State University, and Bowie State University.
The project, "Effects of Gravity on Creeping Salts and Salt Mixtures: Developing Image-based and AI-enhanced Diagnostics for Determining Chemical Compositions,” uses chemistry and artificial intelligence to study how salt deposits form under Earth’s gravity and the reduced gravity on the moon and Mars. Researchers aim to develop an image-based diagnostic tool capable of identifying a material’s chemical composition from photographs, an approach that could simplify scientific analysis during future space missions.
Research Impact
Beyond space exploration, the research could improve water recycling, agriculture, and construction technologies in future lunar and Martian habitats by helping scientists better understand how salt buildup affects these systems.
"This funding has allowed us to establish an experimental astrochemistry laboratory at Florida A&M University while providing students with opportunities to participate in state-of-the-art research,” Dangi said. “Our goal is to develop practical tools that support future space exploration while preparing students with the technical skills needed for STEM careers."
As part of the collaboration, Dangi will visit NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, from July 20 to 31 to present research findings, meet with NASA scientists, and explore future research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and student training opportunities.
"This project showcases the cutting-edge and innovative research taking place in the College of Science and Technology,” said Pierre Ngnepieba, Ph.D., interim dean of the FAMU College of Science and Technology. “Dr. Dangi’s leadership advances scientific discovery while providing students with transformative research experiences that strengthen FAMU’s growing national research profile.”
Preparing the Next Generation of Scientists
Since launching in 2023, the project has produced more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations while supporting five postdoctoral researchers, two doctoral students, and numerous undergraduate researchers. At FAMU, the project has provided paid research opportunities for two postdoctoral researchers and more than six undergraduate students.
Students gain hands-on experience in laboratory research, artificial intelligence, data science, scientific writing, and professional presentations while collaborating with NASA scientists and researchers from partner institutions.
The partnership continues to grow beyond the current award, which concludes in 2027. The research team has submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation and is preparing another for NASA later this year, expanding opportunities for collaborative research and student engagement.
“This partnership creates a foundation for future research that benefits our students, our faculty, and the broader scientific community,” Dangi said. “We’re building relationships that will continue advancing discovery while opening new opportunities for Florida A&M University.”
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
