Fay Ghani

Research Communication Director

Fay Ghani is a New Zealand medical researcher, originally from Iraq, currently working at the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida, USA on NASA-funded research projects. She received her Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) degree with First Class Honours at the University of Auckland and has worked in laboratories in New Zealand, Australia and the US.

Her research focuses on studying stem cells in space and advancing regenerative medicine therapies in microgravity for patients on Earth and future space travelers. Recognizing the importance of international collaboration in both space and medicine, Fay is involved in various organizations and meetings locally and internationally to discuss human spaceflight and the importance of developing medical research in space, especially in emerging space nations. She is passionate about increasing accessibility, creativity and transparency in the space sector and adopting interdisciplinary approaches to solving problems.

She has received scholarships from the University of Auckland, Te Punaha Atea Space Institute, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Northrop Grumman, Space Generation Advisory Council, and Alberta Government. In 2024, she was awarded the prestigious Emerging Space Leader award from the International Astronautical Federation for her research contributions and science advocacy.