Dr. Lonnie Petersen

Biography

Lonnie Petersen is the Samuel Goldblith Career Development Professor at MIT AeroAstro, specializing as an integrative physiologist. His research primarily explores cardiovascular exercise physiology, focusing on pressure, perfusion, and metabolic regulation of the brain. His work is structured around two main tracks in space physiology: the spin-up track analyzes the effects of spaceflight on the human body, particularly in developing countermeasure devices and user strategies to maintain human health during long-term spaceflight; the spin-down track applies the knowledge gained from space research to develop devices that benefit patients on Earth. He conducts research in areas such as Space Physiology, Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology, Device Development, and Medical Devices, contributing to significant projects including COVID-19 related ventilator research. Petersen has held various academic positions, including roles at the University of California, San Diego, and has acquired degrees in fields related to Anesthesiology, Space Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering from notable institutions. He also teaches multiple advanced courses related to human systems and aerospace biomedical engineering, and his teaching and research heavily intersect with practical applications in both space and terrestrial health systems.

Research Interests

Experience