Nathaniel Hafer

Nathaniel Hafer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. He concurrently serves as Director of Operations for the UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UMCCTS), an NIH CTSA-funded hub, and Director of M2D2. His responsibilities encompass coordinating center-wide activities, implementing sponsored programs, and acting as a liaison to biotech/pharma, NIH, and academic institutions to accelerate translational research and train future scientists.

Dr. Hafer's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University
• B.S. in Biology from Penn State University (minor in Science, Technology, and Society)

His research focuses on translational medicine, bridging molecular biology discoveries to clinical applications through interdisciplinary collaboration. He emphasizes optimizing research infrastructure and fostering partnerships between academia and industry to develop innovative healthcare solutions, particularly in medical device development via M2D2.

His scientific recognition includes:

• AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH

In operational leadership, Dr. Hafer directs UMCCTS pilot funding programs and I-Corps educational initiatives at UMMS, guiding investigators in project development, resource acquisition, and commercialization. He maintains comprehensive oversight of all UMCCTS services, personnel, and translational research infrastructure to streamline investigator support.

Dr. Hafer leads M2D2's medical device innovation ecosystem and manages UMCCTS operations, driving strategic initiatives that translate scientific discoveries into community health improvements through robust team coordination and program execution.