Karen Nyberg earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Dakota before earning her Master of Science in and Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Karen holds a patent for her work on Robot Friendly Probe and Socket Assembly from during her time as a Co-op for NASA. Karen has spent 180 days in space, between the STS-124 and Expedition 36/37 spaceflights.

