Lawrence James DeLucas, PhD

United States Astronaut
Senior Scientist, Stable Biologics, Huntsville, Alabama, USA

Dr. Lawrence James DeLucas is an accomplished American biochemist and former NASA astronaut. He flew aboard the NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-50 in 1992 as a Payload Specialist, conducting vital scientific experiments over 14 days. This mission was particularly notable for its focus on protein crystal growth and its medical applications, contributing to advancements in the understanding of protein 3D structures. Following his time as an astronaut, DeLucas served as the Chief Scientist for the International Space Station, playing a pivotal role in shaping NASA’s scientific research priorities in microgravity.

Dr. DeLucas has a distinguished academic background, earning multiple degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), including doctorates in biochemistry and optometry. His expertise spans biochemistry, optics, and pharmaceutical sciences, and he has held numerous leadership roles in both academic and industrial settings. Notably, from June 2021 until he retired in mid-2024, he has served as the Senior Vice President of Biologics at Predictive Oncology, Inc. He is currently a senior scientist at the Stable Biologics. With over 43 global patents and 163 scientific publications to his name, Dr DeLucas has been widely recognized for his contributions to science and medicine. Recently, Dr. DeLucas delivered a keynote lecture at the International Conference on Young Women’s Breast Cancer and Health, and spoke on “Space Exploration and Breast Cancer Research on the International Space Station,” and shared his innovative views on young women’s breast cancer. Dr. Delucas’ numerous awards and honors include the NASA Space Flight Medal, the Order of Rio Branco from Brazil, and induction into the National Optometry Hall of Fame, underscoring his contributions to science, technology, and international collaboration.