Iowa provides a positive impact with national program as Director Tomas Gonzalez-Torres moves up to lead the NASA Office of STEM Engagement as the Space Grant Project Manager. With his departure on April 11, 2022, Dr. Sara D. Nelson has been named as the interim director of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC). Dr. Nelson previously served as the Assistant Director for Education and Outreach of the ISGC and is thrilled to take this next step. Nelson continues to work as faculty at the School of Education and conducts research in STEM Education.
Nelson also uses her expertise to work alongside the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program, developing STEM educational programs and STEM literacy outreach across the state of Iowa. We have absolutely no doubt that all this experience will help her continue to thrive in this new leadership position.
Nelson received her Ph.D. in literacy education and M.Ed. in science education from Iowa State University. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Luther College.
In addition to her work at Iowa State University, Dr. Nelson sits on the North Central STEM Advisory Board for the Governor’s STEM Council, and the Science and Children Advisory Board of the National Science Teaching Association.
Please join us in congratulating Sara on this new leadership role and welcoming her into our esteemed program. We are encouraged to see where the ISGC goes next with Sara at the helm.