Orientation Staff » International Student Orientation » International Students & Scholars

MEET THE FALL 2012 ISO STAFF MEMBERS

International Programs Office (IPO) Staff

	Nancy Condon
	Advisor to Visiting Scholars and Researchers

Naoko Ishida

International Student Advisor

SEVIS Coordinator

Pat Vokbus

International Student Advisor

Dean of International Exchange Students

	Richard Yam
	International Student Advisor

ISO Student Staff

	Claire Rowat
	My name is Claire Rowat. I am bilingual in French and English. I am double majoring in Spanish and Hospitality Tourism Management. I love to travel and I will be studying abroad in Slovenia this summer as well as working as a server at Legal Sea Foods!

Dana Johnson

I'm beginning my third year as a graduate student of cultural anthropology, studying things like civil society, collective memory, and discourses of Europeanness. I just got back from doing research in Greece and Serbia, where I goes as often as I can. Otherwise, I live in Northampton and love it there too. My favorite things about living in the Valley are the friendly people, beautiful nature, and good ice cream.

	Dirk Ruiken
	I am a fourth year PhD student in Computer Science. I've been at UMass as exchange student before and returned here for my PhD in Robotics. I like to travel and play volleyball and squash.

Gerardo Blanco Ramirez

My name is Gerardo Blanco and I am a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Policy, Research & Administration. I am originally from Acapulco, Mexico. Prior to being at UMass Amherst, I was an international student at the University of Maine where I earned my master's degree. I enjoy meeting new people and learn about their cultures. In my studies, I focus on how globalization and diversity influence higher education.

Giang Le

My name is Giang Huong Le. You can call me Zang if its easier for you ;) Im a senior in Biochemistry department. I'm originally from Vietnam. I've been to China and Korea. I love travelling lol. Well, I'm an international student myself, so I understand how it is for you
guys first moving here. I was not so lucky to have such an orientation like the one you guys are about to have, so enjoy this first week of your Fall semester 2011. Trust me, it will be unforgettable!!!! See ya soon!

Heather Arsenault

My name is Heather Arsenault and I am a junior at UMass Amherst. I am a Microbiology major on the pre-medical path. I worked in Dr. Lovley's microbiology lab studying Geobacter full time this summer and will continue to during the school year as independent study. I enjoy running, field hockey, lacrosse and going on hikes. I am looking forward to a great junior year and can't wait to meet new people at ISO!

Johanna Mitterhofer

I am a PhD student in the anthropology department and came to UMass

after having studied and worked in the UK for five years. Previously,

I have lived in India for seven months and studied for two years at an

international school in Italy, which is also the country I am from.

I love travelling, studying foreign languages (currently, I am studying Estonian), rock climbing, iceskating and baking.

JuHyun Park

Hi! My name is Kayla Park, or in Korean name JuHyun Park. I'm upcoming senior, double majoring in political science and business management. I am an exchange student from Yonsei University, Seoul, S.Korea(not North, FYI!) I have worked in a Student Organization called International Yonsei Community back in home university, which is a student-led version of IPO! I am a member of International Relation Club and Korean Student Association here at Umass. I love Umass and I am trying to take every advantage of my being here as an exchange student. I am social, outgoing, open-minded. As an exchange student, I can relate to your situations very well - because I have been there done that! Don't hesitate to contact me if you need any help:) You won't regret choosing Umass!

	Linh Nguyen
	My name is Linh Nguyen, I am from Vietnam and I am a junior at Umass Amherst, my major is economics. I love to travel, I also like jogging and swimming. I also can cook Asian food and play piano (a little). I really love Amherst and I believe that everyone will have a great time at Umass Amherst!

Lyndsay Walls

A Massachusetts native born and raised on Cape Cod, Lyndsay’s currently a senior in CNS with a Biology Psychology double major and a Natural Resource Conservation minor. Lyndsay has been a member of the IPO team for 2 years and can be seen running around campus at all hours. Called Mom by her friends for her habit of calling everyone honey and used as a Umasswiki by students who have been here for years, feel free to flag her down and ask anything you need to know; she’ll probably know the answer or at least know who has it!

	Mehrashk Meidani
	I did my bachelor and master degrees in Iran, then continued my research in Iran and Japan. I participated in several short course programs and workshops related to my research held in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. I joined UMass geotechnical research group as a PhD student in Spring 2010.

Michael Prokle

I am currently pursuing my graduate engineering degree and have been studying in Germany and Sweden before. I love meeting new people and to travel the world as much as I can. After spending over three years in the area, I can hopefully give you great advice to discover beautiful Pioneer Valley. I occasionally escape the countryside and spend weekends in Boston or New York. I like to go running, play volleyball and badminton or take my bike for a ride out. Looking forward to welcome you all at UMass Amherst!

	Minqi Wang
	Minqi Wang is a first year master student from food science department. She is a friendly girl originally comes from China. sssTraveled around Europe and Asian countries, Minqi can speak Chinese (Mandarin), English and German. As an amateur musician, she plays traditional Chinese musical instrument Pipa, which is also known as Chinese guitar.

Nami Okazaki

Senior Communication major sociology minor

I transferred from Seattle last fall.

things I like: dance, shopping, Starbucks, ice cream, sleeping

dislike: rainy season, bugs

Quang Le

Reona Otsuka

Name: Reona Otsuka (Leo)

Age: 19

Nationality: Japanese

Lived in Japan for 17 years then moved to UMass for college. Junior majoring in Electrical Engineering. Enjoys playing sports and socializing. Speaks Japanese, English and Spanish.

	Shengkai Li
	Having Received my bachelor degree in China, I came to UMass Amherst in 2011 as a PhD student in Chemical Engineering. Currently, I'm conducting research on nano-materials while having classes at the same time. I'm interested in music, fond of soccer, hiking, and ballroom dancing, and love to immerse myself into a friendly environment wherever I go.

Xiaolei Zhang

I was born and raised in a border city in China. I went to college in Beijing, majored in International Politics and Economics. Later, I moved to Florida and got my first master's degree in Education there.

Right now, I'm working on my second master in Chinese Linguistics and Pedagogy. I'm also teaching Chinese to undergraduate students in UMass. I love learning new languages and making friends with people from different backgrounds.

	Zhe Zhao
	I'm a graduate student in Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning. I came from China and have studied in Umass for two years. Amherst has beautiful view especially in fall. It is really a great place to study and live and I am sure you will love this town.

	Zhiren Zhu
	My name is Zhiren, which is the Chinese pronunciation of my Japanese name Naoto. I’m currently a senior student here at UMass, pursuing a major in civil engineering and a minor in mathematics. Born in Sendai, I spent my childhood exploring different countries around the world. No matter where I go, I will always be an international student! I look forward to becoming friends with you all!