Equity-driven researcher and education finance expert committed to shaping smarter, more just funding systems through rigorous data analysis and cost modeling as well as cross-sector collaboration.

Sana brings over a decade of experience in education finance, policy analysis, and quantitative research, with a proven track record of guiding public agencies and philanthropic organizations toward data-informed decision-making. A thought leader in early childhood and K–12 funding systems, she integrates technical rigor with strategic foresight to design sustainable and equitable resource allocation models.

At Afton, Sana draws upon her deep expertise in education funding adequacy, ROI, and cost modeling to support systems change across states and districts. Her work centers not only on conducting complex data analyses, but also on empowering clients to translate those insights into bold policy and budgetary decisions. 

Prior to joining Afton, Sana served as a Senior Researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), where she led landmark education finance studies and helped clients—including state education agencies, school districts, and foundations—analyze funding adequacy, design equitable funding formulas, and assess cost-effectiveness. Her recent engagements include:

• Leading the cost modeling component of a national study on special education spending to compare expenditures between students with and without disabilities.
• Directing the policy and funding equity analysis for Washington state’s special education finance system, identifying pathways to improved adequacy and fairness.
• Designing the methodology and conducting data integration for New Jersey’s statewide education-to-employment longitudinal data system, connecting postsecondary and workforce outcomes to K–12 experiences.
• Developing cost models and funding adequacy frameworks using federal, state, and local datasets to support strategic investment in high-quality programs.

Sana’s work is deeply grounded in both methodological rigor and policy relevance. She is adept at translating complex findings into accessible reports, dashboards, and policy briefs that drive stakeholder engagement and system-level change. She is a published scholar and frequent national presenter whose work bridges research and practice to influence long-term systems transformation.

Sana holds a PhD and MPhil in Public Administration (Policy) from New York University (NYU), specializing in economics of education, an MA in Economics from NYU, and a BSc in Economics from the Lahore University of Management Sciences. Her favorite way to recharge is traveling and spending time with her family.