Dr. Bonnie Dunbar

Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar is the director of the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory at Texas A&M University. She is an aerospace engineer and former NASA astronaut known for her contributions to human spaceflight and engineering education. During her NASA career, Dunbar flew on five Space Shuttle missions, playing key roles in advancing microgravity research, international collaboration, and technology development for long-duration spaceflight. Her technical expertise and leadership supported missions involving scientific experiments and the assembly of the International Space Station, establishing her as a prominent figure in astronautics and space exploration.

After her tenure at NASA, Dunbar worked in academia and industry, continuing to influence aerospace engineering. As a professor and director at the Texas A&M University Department of Aerospace Engineering, she led research initiatives and mentored future engineers. Dunbar has demonstrated a commitment to STEM education through outreach programs and advocacy for diversity in engineering, supporting broader participation in science and technology fields.

Dunbar's achievements have been recognized with awards and honors, including induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame and membership in engineering societies. She is a public speaker, delivering keynote addresses at aerospace conferences and educational events, where she shares insights from her experiences in space and perspectives on leadership, resilience, and innovation. Dunbar has discussed the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, offering perspectives on perseverance and the future of human space exploration.