Dr Suzanne Bell, an organizational psychologist, leads the Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center. She helps astronauts perform in a high-stress environment.
Morning Routine
Bell gets up without an alarm by 5am every day. From 5 to 7.15, she sits with her morning latte, using the time for work, longer reading, personal emails, or paperwork. “Two hours of completely uninterrupted time every morning is just wonderful,” she says.
Work on Artemis Research
Bell is the principal investigator for Artemis research, focusing on crew health and readiness. This is the first time a crew has gone beyond low-Earth orbit in 50 years, and the first time they have flown in Orion. Data collection from the Artemis II crew finished about a month ago. The human research program that funds the work wanted a briefing on a quick turnaround, so Bell briefed them on what needs to be addressed before Artemis III.
Currently, Bell is working on sustained lunar presence and setting up a moon base. “We have data that can already inform some of the ways that should be built,” she notes.
Meals and Challenges
Bell did not have time for a lunch break, so she grabbed a salad on the way into a meeting. She follows a healthy longevity diet called the Daily Dozen, avoiding flour and sugar except on special occasions.
The most exciting part of her work is focusing on the moon, sustaining a presence there, and going on to Mars. “That research is so exciting because it is data from people who have gone into deep space, and that is the direction we’re heading,” she says.
Evening Routine
Bell left the office at about 5pm. She avoids working late to prioritize her two children, ages 13 and 15, who are busy with sports and activities. Her 15-year-old likes to work out with her, so they go to the gym together to lift weights. Her other son is involved in sports, and they do indoor climbing. Bell goes to bed early, asleep by 9 or 9.30pm. “I get my restorative time on a Saturday or Sunday – you need a break. It’s not rocket science,” she concludes.
