Fariba Bigdeli earned her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Kentucky in 1991 under the guidance of Dr. Carl Lee, marking the beginning of her academic career. 

Following her doctoral studies, Fariba joined Kentucky State University as a professor of mathematics, where she spent three decades teaching and advising students, supporting their academic journeys, and helping them achieve their graduation goals. 

In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Fariba served as the academic chair for several years, overseeing academic program development, student success initiatives, and research growth within the department. A strong advocate for STEM education, she led and collaborated on multiple grant programs as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI, which played a pivotal role in recruiting and nurturing STEM students. These initiatives not only provided students with valuable undergraduate research opportunities but also facilitated their admission into graduate and professional programs. 

After retiring from her full-time position, Fariba is excited to return to her alma mater, the University of Kentucky, as a part-time instructor. Eager to reconnect with the classroom, she looks forward to both teaching and learning alongside her students. 

Outside of academia, Fariba enjoys walking, reading, and practicing yoga, finding balance and inspiration in these pursuits.