Lemuel Raúl Ríos Santiago
Speaker | Certified LSS Green Belt | HSF Scholar
Microgravity University for Educators (MgUE) Design Proposal to Develop a Satellite Launching Experimental Device (SLED)
Submission of design proposal to build a Satellite Launching Experimental Device (SLED) coded to autonomously deploy a mock satellite into a moving, targeted zone that mimics a Mars orbital insertion. Team proposal was reviewed for technical and educational merit.
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Behavior of Liquids in Pathways with Wave-Shaped Walls under the Effects of Microgravity (Sponsored by NASA Glenn Research Center and Portland State University (PSU)
Conducted experimental research on capillary behavior in microgravity to investigate fluid transport in complex geometries. The project analyzed the movement of low-viscosity silicone oil through wave-shaped pathways during 2.1-second free-fall drops, simulating the weightless environment of space.
Technical Contributions:
• CAD Engineering: Designed and developed precision 2D CAD models of wave-patterned fluid channels using DraftSight™, optimizing geometry to test the effects of wall proximity on surface tension.
• Drop Tower Testing: Executed high-precision experiments using the 22-meter Dryden Drop Tower (in collaboration with NASA Glenn), comparing fluid displacement across dry vs. pre-wetted surfaces.
• Kinematic Data Analysis: Utilized high-speed video processing to quantify capillary recession rates, displacement velocity, and surface tension effects in near-zero gravity.
• System Findings: Discovered that pre-wetted tracks accelerated fluid recession while decreased wall proximity significantly increased capillary retention in dry tracks.
Recognition & Applications:
• Research Symposium: Presented findings at the 1st Puerto Rico ISM Research Symposium.
• Future Systems: Proposed applications for advanced fluid handling in biomedical systems (eye surgery) and spacecraft propellant management.
Publication: https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/CELERE-2019-handbook-20190204.pdf
Martian Astrobiology, Geological, Meteorological & Atmospheric Rover (MAGMAR)
The Boricua Voyagers’ mission consists of a rover, appropriately named Martian Astrobiology, Geological, Meteorological & Atmospheric Rover (MAGMAR), whose goal is to land in the Midway site in April 2024 to study the astrobiology and geological history of Mars. Midway contains exposed igneous rocks, mega breccias, and hydrated, phyllosilicate and carbonate mineral signatures. These exposed rocks could contain biosignatures indicating past habitable conditions and possibly related to groundwater circulation. The main goals of this mission are: to research astrobiology in Midway, atmospheric studies and to study the geological history of Mars. This mission has three main objectives to achieve the mission goals.
Preliminary Design Review: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s3pJaKf9Hf21g6iNWdpB--5Cf0yaQ8ta/view?usp=drive_link
L'Destination
L’Destination is a destination comparison app accessible to people all over the United States. With L’Destination, anyone can enter their desired destination and receive case statistics, real-time user updates, local guidelines, and the safety ratings for different beaches.
Project website: https://covid19.spaceappschallenge.org/challenges/covid-challenges/human-factors/teams/ljak2s/project
Development of VBA Tool for Document Term Search
The VBA tool for document term search, aims to help the user search for words through single & multiple capability in single & multiple document files through folder & subfolder looping process. Furthermore, allow the user to do such search from an optimized & simple command button (form control) or from an alternative GUI (Graphical User Interface) through ListBox (UserForm) for visual ergonomic methodologies. The developed code is designed to have the capability to be modified accessibly to meet the needs of users that want to search words in different file formats, such as PowerPoint (.ppt), Excel (.xlsx).
NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20205009032/downloads/Development%20of%20VBA%20Tool%20for%20Document%20Term%20Search.pdf
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ARCHER (Augmented Reality Concept for Human Exploration and Research)
Led the first-ever team from UPRM to participate in the NASA SUITS Challenge, developing Project ARCHER (Augmented Reality Concept for Human Exploration and Research). Designed a head-up display (HUD) interface to assist Artemis astronauts with navigation and scientific operations on the lunar South Pole.
Technical Contributions:
• HCI Design & Prototyping: Developed real-time AR overlays for in-helmet displays, focusing on reducing cognitive load during complex Extravehicular Activities (EVA).
• System Integration: Engineered interface modules for real-time Lunar Surface Navigation, Crew Vitals Tracking, and EVA System Status Monitoring.
• Decision Support Systems: Integrated specialized tools for scientific operation guidance, allowing astronauts to perform geological sampling and data collection with high-fidelity AR assistance.
• Human Factors Engineering: Applied ergonomics and visual perception principles to ensure UI legibility under varied lunar lighting conditions and high-stress environments.
Project Milestones:
• Institutional First: Established the inaugural NASA SUITS presence at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez.
• Mentorship: Guided by NASA experts Mr. George Salazar (HCI/Human Factors) and Mr. Luis Ortiz, alongside PRSGC Director Dr. Gerardo Morell.
Overall LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/PRODIGYSUITS
Health Informatics: Measuring Factors that Correlate with Autism Disorders and Viral Respiratory Infections
Collaborated in a cross-disciplinary study to investigate the statistical correlation between viral respiratory infections and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically within Hispanic populations. This project applied engineering-based statistical tools to NIH-scale datasets to enhance medical predictive modeling.
Technical Contributions:
• Large-Scale Data Mining: Analyzed the NIH ‘All of Us’ Research Program database to isolate variables related to maternal immune activation and fetal neurodevelopment.
• Statistical Modeling: Performed advanced Regression and Residual Analysis using Minitab and Excel to quantify associations between first-trimester viral exposure and ASD incidence.
• Systems Analysis of Immunology: Modeled the impact of maternal cytokine responses on neurodevelopmental pathways, identifying critical risk windows during the first trimester.
• Predictive Framework: Proposed a correlation-based statistical model to support individualized treatment planning and early-intervention diagnostic strategies.
Key Tools: Minitab, NIH 'All of Us' Database, Statistical Regression, Scatterplot Analysis.
Mentorship: Dr. Mauricio Cabrera-Ríos & Dr. Clara Eugenia Isaza.
Final Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r_j1bKshovHIETMsX8x99C8A-KHdZ8Tp/view?usp=share_link
EGS Human Systems Integration
Managed critical Human-Systems Integration (HSI) protocols and technical documentation for the Artemis program’s ground support equipment. This role focused on integrating human capabilities into system development to enhance design performance and ensure mission safety during crew ingress and recovery operations.
Technical Contributions
• Safety-Critical Documentation: Owned and maintained the Landing & Recovery (L&R) Reference Guide, incorporating updates from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and program-level boards to align with the latest Artemis II Concept of Operations.
• Human Rating Compliance: Evaluated Human Rating requirements for L&R systems, such as the Crew Egress Stand (CES), and documented human factors verifications for the Emergency Egress System (EES).
• Systems Verification (ISVV-1A): Supported Integrated System Verification & Validation-1A testing by managing Operational Television (OTV) data architecture, creating time-stamped video compilations to facilitate camera view analysis.
• Information Architecture: Audited and updated the Human Factors Engineering Assessment (HFEA) Document Trace within the KSC Design Data Management System (KDDMS), reclassifying Human Rating applicable systems.
• Programmatic Leadership: Led weekly EGS HSI team meetings for 20 team members to communicate accomplishments while collaborating on the Pre-Launch Nominal Crew Ingress Reference Guide.
Mentorship & Sponsorship: Developed under the Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium and the NASA OSTEM Internship Program with guidance from EGS Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) Staff.
Final Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11C9e8pEZo3owmXQxYun2EdkG_s_5o3Hq/view?usp=drive_link
Time Series Methods in Public Health: Cross-Correlation in Diseases of Heart in the US
Developed and applied a novel, class-based time-series forecasting method to analyze heart disease prevalence across the U.S. (1990–2019) using CDC datasets. This interdisciplinary research focused on identifying lagged correlations to simplify complex public health forecasting.
Technical Contributions:
• Time-Lag Optimization: Analyzed 14 distinct lags using class-transition matrices to uncover periods of maximum correlation, successfully identifying Lag 2 as the peak predictive period.
• Methodological Innovation: Minimized model assumptions to create a versatile forecasting tool, allowing for broader applicability across diverse public health datasets without requiring high-computational complexity.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Facilitated data integration and analysis between the Industrial Engineering and Biology departments to ensure biological accuracy in statistical modeling.
• Analytical Tools: Leveraged Excel-based modeling and transition matrix logic to map dynamic health trends and improve data-driven decision-making for public health response.
![Progress Poster PRSGC[72].pptx.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1ff37d_b326cf3cce544c9c915c04d01686928d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_722,h_962,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Progress%20Poster%20PRSGC%5B72%5D_pptx.png)