Formerly an astronomer and computer programmer with the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center and the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C, Sally Bensusen combined her science and art backgrounds to become a full-time scientific illustrator in 1981. She operated her own studio for over 21 years.

She has been commissioned regularly by the National Geographic Society, Smithsonian Magazine, Scientific American, Horticulture, Ranger Rick,The Nature Conservancy, Garden Design, and various other publications worldwide. For years, her work appeared on every cover of the National Science Foundation's signature magazine, Mosaic.

She developed and illustrated a monthly feature for Natural History Magazine, the flagship publication for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Her art was featured monthly in Natural History’s "Biomechanics" column, working closely with scientists for each issue.

Her large-format work has included a 50-foot mural for the National Aquarium in Baltimore as well as posters for the Smithsonian Institution, the National Science Foundation, Great Smokies National Park and the USDA Forest Service, as well as signage for the National Zoo in Washington.

In addition to serving as art consultant and lead illustrator for National Geographic Society's book Everyday Science Explained, her book credits include other National Geographic adult and children's books, Time-Life Books, National Research Council's Science and the Endangered Species Act (cover); and Richard Conniff's Spineless Wonders and Every Creeping Thing.

She supervised publication of creative source directories for two national illustrators associations and has served as president of Science Insights Inc., an association promotional company.

She has performed numerous lectures and workshops for colleagues, both domestic and foreign, on illustration and business practices.

She has been featured nationally on Fox News and on local cable stations.

Ms Bensusen most recently worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as a Multimedia Specialist providing art, animation and web content for scientists that study the birth of the universe.

She currently runs her own studio near Washington, DC.