Dr. Bonnie Jeanne Dunbar is a distinguished academic, scientist, former NASA astronaut, pilot, and educator. Dr. Dunbar is on the faculty of Texas A&M University-College Station where she serves as TEES Eminent Professor.

Dr. Dunbar graduated from Sunnyside High School, Sunnyside, Washington, in 1967; received a bachelor of science and master of science degrees in ceramic engineering from the University of Washington in 1971 and 1975, respectively, and a doctorate in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering from the University of Houston in 1983. Between 1971 and 1978 Dr. Dunbar worked in the private sector for Boeing Computer Services and Rockwell International Space Division and conducted research at Harwell Laboratories in Oxford, England.

Dr. Dunbar joined NASA in 1978 and retired from NASA in September 2005, a veteran of five space shuttle flights. She went on to serve as president and CEO of The Museum of Flight until April 2010.

Adventure, Astronaut, Technology, Space, NASA, Influential Women, Inspirational, Empowerment, Science, STEM