Dr. Stephanie Vivod is a Research Chemical Engineer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where she specializes in the synthesis and characterization of advanced polymeric materials for extreme environments and aerospace applications. As a leading expert in polymer aerogels, she develops lightweight, high-performance materials with nanoscale porosity for thermal insulation, vibroacoustic damping, lunar habitat protection, and multifunctional uses in space exploration, including Artemis missions and beyond. Her innovations enhance durability, flexibility, and tailor-ability of aerogel materials and composites, supporting NASA’s goals in long-duration human spaceflight and planetary surface operations. Dr. Vivod began her career at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio in 2006 in the Materials Chemistry and Physics Branch within the Structures and Materials Division. She received her PhD in Polymer Science from The University of Akron’s College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering in Akron, Ohio and has authored numerous publications, with over 1,790 citations (Google Scholar). She is recognized for advancing polymer-based solutions that enable safer, more efficient missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Society Affiliation: Stephanie has served as an alternate councilor for the ACS Cleveland local section, is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS)- Polymer Division (POLY) /Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering Division (PMSE), Materials Research Society (MRS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Iota Sigma Pi (Women in Chemistry), Golden Key International Honour Society, Society for Women Engineers (SWE), NASA GRC Women’s Advisory Group (WAG), and was honored as a Women@Glenn award recipient.

2026 CME NASA Symposium Abstract – Expanding the Horizons of Polymer Aerogels

As human space exploration advances into more extreme and distant environments, the development of materials capable of withstanding harsh conditions has become a critical area of research. Among these, polymer aerogels have been highlighted as advanced materials due to their unique combination of properties: they are ultra-lightweight, possess nanoscale pores, exhibit high internal surface areas, and have exceptionally high porosity. These characteristics make polymer aerogels highly effective as thermal insulators, infrared scattering media, sensor substrates, and materials for reducing vibration and acoustic transmission. Additionally, their potential to address challenges specific to the lunar surface such as dust interference and radiation exposure makes them promising candidates for future missions. Herein, an overview of the synthesis, research evolution, and space-relevant applications of polymer aerogels is presented.

2024 CME NASA Symposium Abstract

As we endeavour to reach new heights of human exploration, materials for extreme environments are at the forefront of research. One class of materials of particular interest are polymer aerogels: lightweight solids with nanoscale pore size, high internal surface area, and extremely high porosities. These interesting properties allow aerogels to act as superior thermal insulators, IR scattering filters, sensor platforms, and vibro-acoustic/lunar dust/radiation mitigating materials. Herein, past and present research, synthesis, and applications of polymer aerogels will be discussed.

2022 CME NASA Symposium Abstract

As the Space Community endeavors to reach new heights of human exploration, materials for extreme environment are at the forefront of research. One class of materials of particular focus is polymer aerogels; lightweight solids with nanoscale pore size, high internal surface area, and extremely high porosities. These interesting properties allow aerogels to act as thermal insulators, catalyst supports, sensor platforms, and vibro-acoustic mitigating materials. Polymer aerogels also have the potential to combat issues found in lunar environments such as dust and radiation mitigation. Herein, current research and applications related to polymer aerogels in support of space exploration will be presented.