Imelda Muller, a distinguished graduate of the UVM Larner College of Medicine, has been named one of NASA’s 10 new astronaut candidates, selected from an impressive pool of 8,000 applicants. The announcement was made on Monday at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, marking a significant milestone in Muller’s remarkable career.
During the announcement, Muller expressed her enthusiasm for being part of NASA's future exploration missions. “With upcoming exploration missions, we are pushing the boundaries of human performance. The lessons that we learn and the knowledge that we gain will help us excel not just in space, but also in areas of human health here on Earth,” she stated. Her commitment to advancing both space exploration and medical science underscores the vital connection between these fields.
Muller, who graduated from the UVM Larner College of Medicine in 2017, has an extensive background in medicine. After her graduation, she served as an undersea medical officer following her training at the Naval Undersea Medical Institute in Connecticut. Her journey continued at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, where she obtained the rank of naval lieutenant and honed her skills in anesthesia and critical care medicine during her residency at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Reflecting on her experience, Muller noted, “That experience gave me the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams in experimental and saturation diving. I developed a passion for learning about how the body adapts in extreme environments.” This passion has been a driving force behind her pursuit of a medical residency in anesthesia, allowing her to deepen her understanding of how the human body responds to stress.
As one of only two astronaut candidates with a medical background, Muller, at 34 years old, is also among the youngest in her class. She and her fellow candidates will undergo rigorous training over the next two years, which includes spacewalk simulations and survival training, to prepare for potential flight assignments.
The UVM community is overwhelmingly supportive of Dr. Imelda Muller’s achievements. UVM President Marlene Tromp remarked, “The UVM community is thrilled to see Dr. Imelda Muller joining NASA’s newest cadre of astronaut candidates.” Tromp was present at the announcement event, highlighting the pride shared by the university in Muller’s accomplishments.
UVM is part of the Vermont Space Grant Consortium, a collaborative program with NASA that connects students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with opportunities in the space industry. Many students from the Larner College of Medicine have participated in a unique four-week Aerospace Medicine Clerkship at the Johnson Space Center, further bridging the gap between medicine and space exploration.
Dr. Imelda Muller’s selection as a NASA astronaut candidate is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the quality of education and training provided at the UVM Larner College of Medicine. Her journey serves as an inspiration for future generations aspiring to blend their passions for medicine and space exploration.
