Staff Profiles

The Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA) team plays a vital role in supporting UC Berkeley’s postdocs and visiting researchers. As part of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, we provide centralized administrative guidance, advocacy, and resources to help researchers navigate their appointments and maximize their time on campus. Supporting thousands each year, our dedicated staff plans and delivers professional development, training, and wellness programs that enrich the academic and research experience at Berkeley. 

For assistance or inquiries, please contact us at vspa@berkeley.edu.

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Cecilia Fura, Assistant Director

As VSPA Assistant Director, Cecilia is the primary contact for VSPA.  She oversees all operations, provides strategic advice, and conducts special projects and initiatives. 

Phone: (510) 643-9681

Email: vspa-director@berkeley.edu

Email: cmafnas@berkeley.edu

Student Team

headshot of Marci Burke

Marci Burke, Program Coordinator

As VSPA Program Coordinator, Marci coordinates VSPA events and manages the appointment process for postdocs and visiting researchers.

Phone: (510) 643-9681

Email: mjburke@berkeley.edu

VSPA Events: vspa_events@berkeley.edu

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Ryan Chang is a VSPA Program Assistant studying Economics and Data Science at UC Berkeley. During his spare time, he enjoys watching YouTube videos on investments, technology, and watches. 

Mandy Guan in black tank top standing in front of a beige wall.Mandy Guan is a VSPA Program Assistant and will be studying Architecture at Berkeley. In her free time, she enjoys the occasional crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing badminton. 

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Vy Ho is a VSPA Program Assistant studying Data Science and Statistics. She enjoys baking bread, all things cats, and the occasional Redbull or two. In her spare time, you might find Vy out on a stroll luring neighborhood cats with treats.

Daniel Lee wearing a black jacket and blue denim shirt standing in front of decorative wood door

Daniel Lee is the VSPA Media Assistant and also an incoming senior studying Cognitive Science and Media Studies. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, playing guitar, and exploring random areas of the Bay.

Vannessa Olague De La Cruz at UC Berkeley campus with Doe Library and trees in background

Vannessa Olague is a VSPA Program Assistant who’s studying Political Science. She enjoys recreational activities like camping, hiking, and snowboarding while also enjoying a nice cup of coffee with a good book on a rainy day. 

Canon Stringer smiling on a street with string lights above.

Canon Stringer is the VSPA Data Assistant studying Data Science in his senior year at Berkeley. His passions include playing and writing music, hiking, and all things baseball-related.

Iana Mae Peralta wearing green jacket and white scarf with trees and snow behind her

Iana Mae Peralta is the VSPA Data Assistant. She is studying data science and will be a senior in the fall. Iana enjoys  crocheting, going to concerts, cooking/baking, playing board games, and re-watching her favorite TV shows.

Kylee Wiens wearing brown jacket with black and white striped shirt standing in front of white garage door

Kylee Wiens is the VSPA News Editor and a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Journalism. In their free time they enjoy making clothes, roller skating and creating new vegan recipes. They also love spending time with their orange tabby cat George.