Faiza Zafar joined the Rice Center for STEM Engagement in July 2022. In her role as the Director for Research, Evaluation, and Grants, she is responsible for proposal development, peer-reviewed journal publications, and data collection for various STEM projects for K-12 students and teachers. Additionally, as part of her role, she also directs the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) for community college students and supports the students as they complete their research experience at Rice University and beyond. 
 
Before joining Rice, she served as a Math Teacher at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School. She leverages her teaching and leadership backgrounds to inspire the next generation to pursue STEM careers and to inform parents about the programs and opportunities available to their children, helping them excel academically.
 
Zafar holds a B.S. in Chemistry and M.Ed. from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Math Education from the University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky.