Nicol Caplin
Papers
2
Total Citations
28
H-Index
2
About
Nicol Caplin is a leading space life scientist whose research bridges astrobiology, microbiology, and human spaceflight safety. Her work focuses on understanding how microbial life behaves in extreme space environments and developing countermeasures to protect astronaut health during long-duration missions. Caplin’s most influential contribution is her leadership in designing the ISS experiment BIOFILMS, which tests laser-structured antimicrobial surfaces under actual space conditions—a critical innovation for reducing biofilm contamination and infection risk in spacecraft. This work has garnered 20 citations and directly supports the development of safer habitats for deep-space exploration. She also co-authored the visionary BioMoon mission concept (8 citations), which proposes an integrated lunar platform to advance space life sciences and astrobiology. This forward-looking study outlines how the Moon can serve as a unique laboratory for fundamental biological questions, from microbial adaptation to the origins of life. Caplin’s research is essential reading for students and researchers interested in astrobiology, space microbiology, and the engineering of safe, sustainable human outposts beyond Earth.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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