iLEAD Exploration’s DreamUp to Space Launch Team Pleurotus eryngii

Hi! I’m Matthew Foote, a 4th grader at iLEAD Exploration and the Principal Investigator for Team Myco-Bots. I was inspired to investigate king trumpet mushrooms after reading Cornell University’s study on robo-fungi, which proved that bioelectric signals from king trumpet mushroom mycelium can control a biohybrid robot. I’ve been programming robots since I was five, and I’m excited about the potential of biohybrid robots in space.

Last year, I watched my mission patch artwork launch to the ISS alongside iLEAD’s DreamUp experiments, which sparked my interest in STEM and led me to join a CubeSat team. I’m excited to lead Team Myco-Bots, mirroring the work of professional scientists. I enjoy video games, coding, and AI! My favorite video game is Factorio. Ad Astra!

Hi! I’m Martin Diep, and I’m a 4th grader at iLEAD Exploration. I have been interested in space exploration for several years, especially the technology needed to get there. Participating in the DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge and Team Myco-Bots is special to me because I have been interested in the ISS, and I am so happy to be contributing an idea that could help advance future space exploration. Some of the things I like to do during my free time are playing handball against my dad, coding on Scratch, playing video games, cooking/baking, and camping in my family’s van!

Hi! I am Madison Parris. I am in the 5th grade at iLEAD Exploration, and I love science. I am on Team Myco-Bots, and we are sending mycelium from the king trumpet mushroom to space! I hope to successfully grow mycelium in space to help future space exploration. I decided to join the launch team because I’ve always been interested in space, and sending something to the International Space Station is incredible! Outside the DreamUp to Space mission, I am usually tending to my mini farm and garden. I love animals and taking care of my pig Zippy is my favorite. I enjoy building mini models and studying all things science.

An interesting thing I’ve done is create my own organic and safe pesticide using items from the garden that the bugs didn’t eat. Go, Team Myco-Bots!

Hi! I’m Annalee “Lulu” Bell, and I am in 4th grade at iLEAD Exploration. I love all animals. My favorite animal is a black bear. I enjoy riding horses and taking care of them. I love doing adventures and going on trips. My two favorite subjects are science and math.
DreamUp to Space is an awesome project. I learned a lot more about sourdough. I learned that sourdough bread is healthier for you! I enjoyed helping to design the slides with my teammate. I got to practice presenting my project.
Now that I am on Team Myco-Bots, I am looking forward to going to the Kennedy Space Center and learning more about space.

Hi, my name is Angelina, and I am in 5th grade! I am an iLEAD Exploration student and a member of Team Myco-Bots. I have always enjoyed doing science experiments and building things like robots. It has been a dream of mine to send something to space. As a part of DreamUp to Space, I am looking forward to new and interesting space adventures. Outside of this project, I am an athlete and play soccer. In addition, my hobbies include arts and crafts and spending time with friends and family.