Select Field Experience
and Publications.
This work reflects the environments and contexts that have shaped my approach to human performance, including analog missions, expedition settings, and applied research activities.
Chartered Psychologist Specializing in Human Performance at the Extremes
Listen to this episode from Airlock Module on Spotify. In this episode of The Airlock Module Podcast, Yuki Nishimura sits down with Dr. Laura Thomas, Chartered Psychologist, space psychology researcher…
Psychology Month Profile: Laura Thomas
Training astronauts for space flight requires a huge team, including psychologists who can help to prepare them for the close quarters and isolation for long periods of time. Laura Thomas is not only one of those psychologists, she has also experienced…
The Mars Society Conference 2025
Discussing the use of vocal biomarkers for objective wellbeing assessment in isolated, confined, and extreme environments.
The future potential of VR countermeasures for maintaining behavioural health during long duration space exploration
Long duration space exploration is no longer a fantasy, with Elon Musk claiming to launch astronauts to Mars as early as 2029. The substantial increase in spaceflight…
Human Behavior in Extreme Conditions: Novel Approaches and Technologies
As humanity confronts unprecedented challenges driven by climate change, pandemics, technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, economic inequality, social and cultural shifts, rapid urbanization, and the complexities of space exploration, the need for innovative…
Training for Mars:
The Role of Space Analogs
When most people picture astronaut training, they imagine high-tech simulators, zero-gravity flights, or floating aboard the International Space Station. However, some of the most important preparation for living on the Moon or Mars doesn’t happen in orbit at all. It happens here on Earth, during space analog missions…
Spacewalks Explained:
How Astronauts Train for EVAs
Some of the most iconic images in human spaceflight have been captured during EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity), from Buzz Aldrin standing on the lunar surface and Bruce McCandless II drifting freely above Earth. Spacewalks capture the imagination for good reason. They represent the boldest edge of human exploration…
How To Maintain Your Emotional Wellbeing During Tragic News Events
When tragic events continue to dominate the news, it can cause us to feel overwhelmed, distressed or pessimistic about the future. And while many follow every aspect of these stories in support of those affected, we shouldn’t underestimate the impact this is having on…