June 15, 2007

I'd like to nominate my dad Dr. Abolghassem Ghaffari for Iranian of the Day on his 100th birthday (June 15) and Father's Day, which is coming up soon. He was the first Iranian scientist to work for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he worked on Apollo missions 11 and 12. He was also one of the first Iranian Fulbright Scholars. 

My dad also worked with Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University. What I respect most about him is that he mentored many young Iranian students over the years in the US, Europe, and Iran. He is a pioneer who paved the way for many Iranians to embark in the field of science.

For more info on my dad and his achievements, please go to ghaffaris.com, click on gallery, then click on Abolghassem Ghaffari, which is the second to last name. He will be interviewed on AM 670 KIRN in Los Angeles at 9pm Pacific Standard Time tonight By Dr. Akbari of the Association of Professors and Scholars of Iranian Heritage (APSIH) and Dr. Ershadi. This interview can also be heard online around the world at 670amkirn.com.
-- Vida Ghaffari

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