Who I am - words that describe me:

1. Happy - because I am! I feel happy and excited about life and the many opportunities that each day brings.

2. Interested - I enjoy listening to and learning from others. I like current events and history. I like almost everything!!

3. High energy - My days are busy and most evenings are filled with fun, exercise, or learning activities. I'm on the go most of the time and like it that way. No day is ever a carbon copy of the one before. The fast pace recharges me.

My personal challenges:
Accepting challenges and breaking boundaries for the fun of it or to learn have always been a part of my life from the time I was a child. I grew up on a farm in the midwest and two of my earliest memories are of when I was about 2 years old. I had decided to go exploring - all on my own. Somehow I had gotten out of the house and down to our barn without anyone knowing. Between me and the pasture where our sheep were, stood a tall wooden fence. That boundary did not stop me. I managed to climb over the fence and was laughing about being in the middle of a group of circling sheep when I saw my mother come running from the house and shouting, "Bonnie, don't worry. I'll get you." Then, about that same year we were on a family picnic to the Lake Michigan area. The water fascinated me; forget the fact that I had not yet learned to swim. It was my brother who laughed and caught the attention of my parents as he pointed to "Bonnie, bobbing up and down out there in the water."

Needless to say, my parents probably did not view this as accepting challenges. However that desire to explore, to learn, and to find ways to go around, climb over, or break barriers to achievement became a part of my character. As an adult, my interest in these challenging adventures has translated career-wise into creating unique education and outreach projects and programs for students and the general public.

My career challenges:
I believe that positive thinking enables us to find or create ways to achieve our goals. Exercise is an important part of maintaining a positive attitude and keeping energy levels high. I read once that each of us has a minimum of three important opportunities every week - if we are aware and see them. In order to be "tuned in" and receptive to these opportunities, I want to learn as much as I can about many things. So, in a way, all three of the Challenge Project themes are a part of my life philosophy. Seeking to 'be the best I can be' certainly has introduced me to fascinating people, places, and unusual life opportunities.

My career:
The NASA Life Sciences Division's research deals with all aspects of living things - plants, animals, people - in microgravity and the spin-off Earth benefits. In the simplest form, my responsibilities include translating those research concepts into ways that education and general public can understand. Translation includes written materials, education projects, and general presentations.

Likes/Dislikes about career:

Right now I would not change one thing about my career. It is a choice career. It is allows me to use my creativity and skills to the best of my ability. And, my colleagues are the greatest!

Influences:
My grandmother. Why? Because she modeled "being the best you can be."

Future goals:
Travel the world!

Personal information:
Reading, traveling, entertaining, golf, seeking out and meeting interesting people - these are my hobbies.