On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Venkatesan (Prasad) Sundararajan, a student in the George Washington University’s Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) program, will present his technical research at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 2026 ASCEND Forum.
His paper, which focuses on maintaining safe environments for crew health and performance in space, will be published in the conference proceedings for the Microgravity Applications for Biomanufacturing and Healthcare in Space session.
Sundararajan’s research applies program theory to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), India’s national space agency. By analyzing Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), he developed a strategic framework consisting of eight critical goals and outcomes to optimize space environment management over the next decade.
Sundararajan joined the DHSc in Leadership in Clinical Practice and Education program in 2024, bringing with him a formidable academic and professional background:
- Engineering: Bachelor of Engineering (India) and Master of Engineering (Concordia University, Canada).
- Specialized Certifications: Professional Certificate in Advanced Project Management from Stanford University.
- Public Policy & Leadership: A Graduate Certificate in Public Leadership and a Master’s in Government, Technology, and Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Extension School.
- Healthcare Quality: A Postgraduate Certificate in Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership from Harvard Medical School.
Beyond his studies, Sundararajan is an Elected Associate Fellow for the AIAA and a Technician Member of the Aerospace Medical Association.
Sundararajan credits the DHSc faculty for helping bridge the gap between his engineering expertise and health leadership: “I am thankful to Dr. Lisa Paganotti for offering the Program Theory and Health Innovations course, providing guidance and encouragement, and progressing in the DHSc program.”
As he continues his studies at GW, Sundararajan will refine his focus through either the Leadership in Clinical Practice or the Leadership in Educational Practice track, further supporting his mission to advance healthcare safety in the aerospace sector.
View the program and schedule for ASCEND, here:
ASCEND 2026