Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger

Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger (born May 2, 1975) is a retired NASA astronaut and an American geologist. She was part of the NASA Astronaut Group 19 and is known for her contributions to space exploration and education.

Early Life and Education

Metcalf-Lindenburger was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She developed an interest in space exploration at a young age. She pursued her passion for science and space by studying Geology and Astronomy at Whitman College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997.

Career

After graduation, Metcalf-Lindenburger began her career as a high school Earth Sciences and Astronomy teacher in Vancouver, Washington. During her teaching career, she was selected for the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program, which led to her interest in becoming an astronaut.

In 2004, Metcalf-Lindenburger was selected by NASA for Astronaut Group 19. She completed her astronaut training in 2006 and was assigned to the STS-131 mission, making her the first Space Camp alumnus to go to space. During the mission, she served as a Mission Specialist and was responsible for robotics and serving as a backup for spacewalks.

Post-NASA Career

After retiring from NASA in 2014, Metcalf-Lindenburger has continued to contribute to the field of space exploration and education. She is an active member of the Association of Space Explorers and serves on the Board of Directors for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

Personal Life

Metcalf-Lindenburger is married and has one daughter. She enjoys running, swimming, and playing the flute in her spare time.

See Also

• List of female astronauts
• NASA Astronaut Group 19
• STS-131