Nastaran Afari, MA

Nastaran Afari, MA, is an alumna of UCSD (BA, Political Science, Muir ‘91) and received her Master’s degree from Columbia University (’94). She served as the Assistant Director of a non-profit organization, Jewish Outreach Institute, and as a Program Officer for several family foundations at Philanthropy Advisors in New York. After moving back to San Diego, she was co-owner of Sopranos Pizza and Restaurant, growing the business for four years. Seeing the potential for personal and professional development, she enrolled in Mira Costa Community College’s Biotechnology Certificate Program, and was selected as a CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research Intern. She joined UCSD as an Administrative Laboratory Manager in OB/GYN & RS after completion of the internship at TSRI. Being at the bench, working directly on research projects, attending lab meetings and scientific conferences, and presenting at journal clubs gives her a unique perspective and understanding of research. Over the past 11 years at UCSD, she has also worked in the Department of OB/GYN & RS as a fund manager, becoming quite familiar with both proposal submissions and financial reporting; and in the Office of Contract and Grant Administration, handling direct federal awards, plus federal flow through and non-profit agreements. She is excited to bring her knowledge and skills to CORI.