Operations and Outreach Manager

Daya Sharma is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in Human Resources, Project Management, Research Administration, and Operations Management. She holds an MBA in Human Resources and Organizational Psychology from the Universidad Católica de Murcia (Spain), and is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) certified by the Project Management Institute (USA). She is also a certified Strategic Human Resource Management Professional through the Chartered Management Institute (UK), a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) from the Research Administrators Certification Council (USA), and holds a Postgraduate Extended Diploma in Business Management from Cambridge International Qualifications (UK).

With more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience, Daya has developed a strong track record in organizational effectiveness, strategic operations, project leadership, and human capital management. She began her career in the aviation industry, where she quickly established herself as a versatile, results-oriented professional recognized for driving operational excellence and organizational performance. In 2018, Daya joined New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) in the Office of Human Resources before transitioning into Research Operations and Administration, where she has continued to expand her leadership portfolio. In her current role, she serves as a key contributor to NYUAD’s research ecosystem, leading research administration, project and grants management, strategic planning, operational oversight, and resource optimization. She collaborates across multidisciplinary research initiatives and supports several prominent entities, including the Center for Brain and Health, the Abu Dhabi Precision Medicine Aspire Research Institute, LAMINATE, and the Rokers Vision Lab within the Research Institute and the Division of Science. Known for her strategic mindset, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to excellence, Daya is passionate about enabling impactful research and fostering high-performing teams and organizations. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship, actively promoting eco-conscious practices and initiatives that support a plastic-free future.

Contact: ds5796@nyu.edu