March 03

Bonnie J. Dunbar is an American aerospace engineer, academic, and former NASA astronaut born in 1949. She joined NASA’s astronaut corps in 1980 and completed five Space Shuttle flights between 1985 and 1994, logging over 1,000 hours in space. Dunbar conducted experiments in materials science, biology, and Earth observation, contributing to advances in space research. She holds a Ph.D. in mechanical and biomedical engineering and later became vice president for research at the University of Washington. Throughout her career, Dunbar has advocated for STEM education and inspired countless students through outreach programs. She has received numerous honors, including induction into the NASA Hall of Fame. Dunbar’s pioneering work has had a lasting impact on human spaceflight and science education.