Dr. Stephanie Vivod is a Research Chemical Engineer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specializing in advanced polymeric materials for extreme environments. Stephanie started her career at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in in 2006 in the Materials Chemistry and Physics Branch within the Structures and Materials Division. Dr. Vivod received her PhD in Polymer Science from The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio and is a subject matter expert in the area of light weight, nano-porous polymeric materials; specifically, organic, inorganic and hybrid aerogels.

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.