Dr. Afra is a part of the managerial leadership team that implements the vision and fosters interdisciplinary collaborations in support of the PSC mission. With a focus on educational and research activities, she manages the interface and communications between PSC and faculty, students and the Purdue community.

"Fascinated by systems thinking concepts and approaches, I am excited to be a part of the Purdue Systems Collaboratory," Dr. Afra said. "Collaborating with faculty, staff and students across a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds who work at the intersection of sciences, humanities, technology and art, makes this opportunity unique and encouraging."   

Before joining the Collaboratory, Afra worked at McKinsey & Company as the Analytics and Digital Coordinator, overseeing day-to-day operations of the Analytics and Digital Center of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Products Practice. She has a multidisciplinary background in physics (materials science and engineering), information technology, and innovation and entrepreneurship. She received her PhD and Master's degrees from the Australian National University and her BSc from the Iran University of Science and Technology.