Dr. Nassiri is director of the University of California Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) and professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Davis. She is interested in pavement materials and structural design techniques to improve pavement sustainability. These strategies include using more sustainable materials and construction practices for long-lasting and durable pavements, improving pavement structural design for new and rehabilitation projects, and optimizing repair projects in terms of materials, timing, and construction to extend the life cycle of pavements.

Dr. Nassiri teaches courses on the materials, design, repair, rehabilitation, and management of asphalt and concrete pavements.