Lawrence H. Kuznetz, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Lawrence.h.kuznetz@nasa.gov

Lawrence Kuznetz received his Ph.D. in Space and Environmental Physiology under the auspices of Professor Emeritus Nello Pace at the University of California, Berkeley, where he developed a mathematical model of human thermoregulation in spacesuits that was used during Project Apollo to manage astronaut safety, consumables and thermal control on lunar surface EVAs. He also has an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley, and an MS in Industrial Engineering and BS in BioEngineering from Columbia University. During his tenure with NASA at the Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers from 1965 through 1984, and again from 1989-1991 at Ames Research Center as a National Research Council Senior Fellow, he was involved in a number of projects encompassing a diverse range of fields from Astro/Exobiology to Mars spacesuit design. Before coming to USRA, Dr Kuznetz was Bioastronautics Flight Experiment Manager for the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Programs, where he oversaw 45 human life sciences experiments targeted at developing countermeasures to the effects of microgravity. In his current capacity at USRA, he is Senior Scientist for Astronaut Mike Gernhrdt’s EVA Physiology Systems and Performance Project (EPSP). In that role, Dr Kuznetz is responsible for elements of new spacesuit design and their interactions with human physiological systems. Specifically, Dr Kuznetz creates thermal models of the human body and uses them to determine performance envelopes for new suit concepts; analyzes the results of human test protocols such as the 10 kilometer astronaut walkback test; creates algorithms for real time determination of crew metabolic rate and life support system consumables on planetary surfaces; formulates biosensor requirements for advanced suit designs for the Moon and Mars and helps determine planetary EVA traverse requirements and limitations. He also interacts with external organizations and educational institutions to garner wide support and participation in the above projects and creates opportunities for students to pursue academic projects leading to career paths at NASA. Dr Kuznetz’ research interests span extremophile survival rates in non-terrestrial environments; the existence and stability of liquid water on the Martian surface; countermeasures to the effects of microgravity; human performance and testing and computer simulations of physiological systems. He has also been involved in spacecraft Build, Management and Operations procedures for OV-102 (Space Shuttle Columbia) at the Kennedy Space Center, specifically in the area of thermal protection systems. Dr Kuznetz has taught and lectured at the University of Houston, University of Texas, Stanford University, MIT and the University of California, Berkeley and has been an independent consultant to private industry in the areas of thermal control and human performance in extreme environments. He holds eight US patents and has been an invited guest at numerous media venues including the Johnny Carson “Tonight Show” and in other television, radio and print media events.