LCA Student Selected for Prestigious NASA-Backed Research Flight

Lexington, Kentucky (April 15, 2025) – Lexington Christian Academy is proud to announce that junior Nathan Scalf has been selected for a nationally competitive opportunity to conduct microgravity research aboard the ZERO-G “G-Force One” aircraft, as part of a prestigious collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research, NASA’s SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science) Program, and the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium.

Scalf is one of only four high school students selected nationwide for the rare opportunity to fly and conduct scientific experiments in zero gravity. His project, “Wound Irrigation System for Microgravity,” focuses on solutions for medical treatment in space and will be tested during a series of parabolic flights this May.

“We’re incredibly proud of Nathan and excited to see him use his gifts in such a meaningful way,” said Lisa Bacon, Interim Head of School at LCA. “It’s inspiring to witness one of our own students engaging in research that could help shape the future of space exploration and astronaut care.”

The SEES internship, funded by NASA and hosted at the UT Austin Center for Space Research, draws more than 2,000 applications each year, with only 150 students accepted into the summer program, and just four chosen to design experiments for flight. Participants work closely with leading scientists and engineers to develop projects that meet rigorous safety, research, and engineering standards before testing them in true microgravity.

The flight will also carry 12 additional student-led experiments in the new ZQube system, developed by Twiggs Space Lab, NASA SEES, and Space for Teachers. These experiments represent over 150 students’ work from across the country.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for Nathan and a proud moment for Lexington Christian Academy,” said Dr. Cassondra Koett, Principal at LCA. “His selection is a testament to his dedication, intellectual curiosity, and God-given talents, as well as the supportive teachers and learning environment that surround him.”

The G-FORCE ONE aircraft, a modified Boeing 727, creates weightlessness through parabolic flight maneuvers, offering students and researchers the chance to conduct real-time experiments in a gravity-free environment.

To learn more about the SEES program and its mission to develop the next generation of aerospace innovators, visit csr.utexas.edu/sees-internship.