
Tamadonfar was born and raised in Nevada and her father has taught political science at UNLV for 25 years. She was the valedictorian of her high school graduating class. At UNLV she conducted research on anatomy and stem cells. In addition to a stellar academic record, Tamadonfar volunteered in the oncology unit of St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Siena. She was also involved with Chemical Interactions, a campus group that seeks to increase the interest of elementary school students in chemistry.


