Sheri Klug Boonstra

Sheri Klug Boonstra is an Associate Research Professional at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Earth and Space Exploration. She leads the NASA-funded Lucy Student Pipeline and Competency Enabler (L’SPACE) Program and co-founded the ASU Space Works Program, both of which focus on STEM workforce development. Her work emphasizes creating equitable, authentic research experiences for students at scale, bridging educational institutions with NASA missions like the Lucy Asteroid Mission and Mars Sample Return.

Education: M.S. in Earth Science Education (Boise State University, 1998); B.S. in Earth Science Education (Boise State University, 1994, Cum Laude and Distinguished Honors). She has held NASA fellowships and awards, including the NASA Space Grant Fellowship and recognition as Geoscience Student of the Year.

Research Interests: Klug Boonstra specializes in STEM education innovation, workforce development, and public engagement in space exploration. Her programs address equity, mentorship, and skill-building for underrepresented students. She has secured over $54 million in grants for STEM initiatives, including NASA-funded projects like the Mars Student Imaging Project and the L’SPACE Program.

Awards: Recipient of the AGU’s Excellence in Earth and Space Science Education (2020), the International Astronautical Federation’s Excellence in 3G Diversity Award (2023), and the honor of having Asteroid 8631 named SHERIKBOONSTRA in her honor (2021).

Courses Taught: She instructs courses such as SES 307/407 (Space Works I/II) and Special Topics in STEM Education, focusing on design, fabrication, and testing of space-related projects. These courses emphasize hands-on learning and collaboration with industry partners.

Grants & Leadership: Klug Boonstra has served on key boards, including the AAAS Science in the Classroom Advisory Council and NASA’s Solar System Exploration Subcommittee. Her work spans K-12 through undergraduate education, prioritizing real-world, mission-driven experiences to prepare students for STEM careers.