From Tehran to UC Merced: Engineering a Sustainable Future
Farzan ZareAfifi's journey from Tehran to California embodies the transformative power of academic pursuit and personal growth. A graduate of the University of Tehran with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Farzan took a leap of faith at age 24 when he moved to the United States to further his education.
"The transition was challenging at first," ZareAfifi said. "Having spent most of my life with my parents in Iran, I naturally felt homesick during my initial days here. But that experience of becoming more independent over my first semester helped me grow both personally and professionally."
His path to graduate studies was inspired by an undergraduate project that would shape his future career trajectory. Working with two colleagues, ZareAfifi developed a groundbreaking parametric design for in-pipe turbines, successfully publishing their findings in a respected journal. "This experience sparked my interest in graduate school," he explained. "Particularly in research addressing global challenges like the transition to cleaner energy resources."
At UC Merced, ZareAfifi found an influential mentor in Professor Sarah Kurtz, a renowned figure in solar energy research with over three decades of experience at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. "Professor Kurtz has been more than just an academic advisor," ZareAfifi said. "She's shown me that success in our field isn't just about scientific achievement — it's about maintaining integrity and prioritizing the greater good over individual gain."
Now, ZareAfifi 's doctoral research is at the forefront of renewable energy planning, focusing on modeling solar-dominated grids in regions like California. "We're working to determine the optimal mix of renewable energy sources and storage technologies needed to achieve a zero-carbon grid by 2045," he said. "These models are crucial for ensuring a smooth, safe, and efficient transition to renewable-driven energy systems."
His academic journey has been marked by impressive achievements, including presentations at multiple conferences and valuable industry experience through internships at VISTRA Energy. "I'm particularly proud of how I've developed professionally during my Ph.D.," ZareAfifi said. "Between publishing journal articles, presenting at conferences and gaining industry experience, I've built a strong foundation for contributing to the future of renewable energy."
As California and the world move toward a sustainable future, researchers like ZareAfifi are leading the way, combining technical expertise with a passionate commitment to addressing climate change. His journey from Tehran to UC Merced isn't just a personal success story — it's a testament to the global collaboration needed to solve our most pressing environmental challenges.
