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.

Cecilia Fura in black jacket and teal blouse with stairs and tree in background

Cecilia Fura, Assistant Director

Cecilia leads the operations, strategic vision, and special initiatives of the VSPA program. She is the unit's primary leadership contact, develops and implements complex policies that govern Berkeley's global research community, and serves as a strategic advisor to campus leadership. Her dedicated leadership was recently recognized campuswide with the 2026 Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award.

Phone: (510) 643-9681

Email: vspa-director@berkeley.edu

Email: cmafnas@berkeley.edu

Student Team

headshot of Marci Burke

Marci Burke, Program Coordinator

As Program Coordinator, Marci manages VSPA's comprehensive professional development and community programming and oversees appointments for postdocs and visiting researchers. She serves as a vital resource for scholars navigating their transition to UC Berkeley, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across all incoming VSPA appointments.

Phone: (510) 643-9681

Email: mjburke@berkeley.edu

VSPA Events: vspa_events@berkeley.edu

Sherry Chen sitting at table in a restaurant

Sherry Chen is a VSPA Program Assistant currently studying Business Administration and Data Science, and in her free time, she likes finding new shows to binge, going thrifting, and playing Brawl Stars.

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

Jocelyn Liu wearing a white striped shirt with a blue gray background

Jocelyn Liu is is the VSPA Media Assistant and a junior studying Cognitive Science and Data Science. In her free time, she loves to bake, run, vlog, and go on spontaneous trips! 

Jared Narvaez wearing white shirt with green shrub and tree leaves in background

Jared Narvaez is the VSPA Data Assistant. He is studying Computer Science and minoring in Data Science and will be a senior in the fall. Jared enjoys hikes, going on long drives, dancing, his two cats, and loves cafe hopping. 

Student Steven Vu in a black suit and tie with water view in background

Steven Vu is a VSPA Program Assistant currently studying Computer Science and is a junior this fall. In his free time, he likes to shoot pool, play basketball, and rewatch sitcoms. 

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.