Iowa NASA EPSCoR and Iowa Space Grant Consortium are pleased to announce Dr. Sara D. Nelson as the Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) and Iowa NASA EPSCoR Director effective January 1, 2023. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Nelson! Sara served as the ISGC and Iowa NASA EPSCoR Interim Director. Prior to the interim position, Sara served as the Assistant Director for Education and Outreach. Nelson also holds a faculty position at the School of Education and conducts research in STEM Education.

Dr. 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.

Sara received her Ph.D. in education and M.Ed. in science education from Iowa State University. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Luther College.

In addition to her work at Iowa State University, Nelson serves as Co-Chair for the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group. She also serves on the North Central STEM Advisory Board for the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, the State Science Leadership Team, and the Science and Children Advisory Board of the National Science Teaching Association.