ISSO-CUIMC, Student and Scholar Services

Yibin is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia's robust F-1 and J-1 students. His expertise covers a range of issues related to visa, enrollment, employment, travel, etc. 

Before Columbia, Yibin was an International Student Advisor at Stockton University in Galloway, NJ. There, he monitored and advised F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors and helped manage study abroad programs and advised on outbound programs. Currently he has over 7 years of experience in international education. “Seeing my F-1 and J-1 students turning into young professionals in their fields is very rewarding,” says Yibin.

Yibin’s family moved from China to Venezuela and in early 2000, he went back to China for three years to study Chinese and then returned to Venezuela to finish high school. He came to the U.S. as an F-1 student to start his undergraduate program and decided to stay in the U.S. and work after completing his degree. Yibin speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish and English!

Although Yibin is new to NYC and Columbia, he enjoys visiting different Chinese and Korean food places in Queens, NY. Besides that, Yibin enjoys snowboarding and biking. Most importantly, he likes Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang.

Ximena is an Assistant Director for ISSO-CUIMC. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to the international community of students, faculty and scholars belonging to Columbia’s medical campus. Ximena has over 15 years of experience in the field; over ten of these have been spent serving the Columbia University international population.

Prior to joining Columbia, Ximena held positions at Rutgers University and the Institute of International Education. She holds an M.A. degree in International Affairs from The New School.

In her free time, Ximena enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures and spending time with her family.

Tomasz is the Assistant Director for Compliance and ALP. In his role, he provides F-1 visa documentation and advising services to ALP international students as well as newly admitted F-1 students belonging to the Morningside campus. Tomasz helps both populations of students navigate the US immigration system, ensuring that their visa compliance adheres to the highest of standards.

Tomasz has promoted international education for over 14 years through his work in academia and vocational schools. He is heavily involved in NAFSA, as both a mentor and member of its Trainer Corps. He holds three degrees: an Ed.M. from Columbia’s Teachers College, an M.P.A. from New York University and a B.B.A. from Baruch College. 

Tomasz has lived abroad in Poland, so he is well-versed in matters international students who plan to study abroad may face. In his free time, Tomasz enjoys learning Spanish and collecting sand samples from his various travels. 

Stacy is the Assistant Director of International Student Engagement. In her role as part of the Programming team, she assists in developing programs designed to build community and support the overall success of Columbia’s international student population: objectives that she and the team achieve by delivering events aimed at fostering belonging, developing intercultural competence, and promoting leadership and global mindfulness.

Stacy holds an M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University and a B.A. in International Studies, Communication & Rhetorical Studies, and Spanish from Illinois College. 

Stacy is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a native French and Lingala speaker. Her favorite place to visit near campus is Gong Cha–– she loves boba tea!

Simone is a Senior International Student Adviser at ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Simone is originally from The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago but has lived in NYC long enough to consider herself a native New Yorker. In her free time, she enjoys DIY projects and traveling both near and far. Her favorite neighborhood in the city is Chelsea as its sidewalks are less populated than the rest of Midtown.

As a member of the Morningside Student Advising Team, Shay assists the very large number of international students in matters relating to their immigration-related needs, providing advisory and documentation services and information on a host of issues, including, but not limited to employment, visas, enrollment and travel.

Seong Hwan is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. Seong Hwan has been with the ISSO since 2021.

Seong Hwan has over 15 years of experience in the field. Before joining Columbia, he was an International Student Adviser for several years. Prior to that, he held a corporate relations management and senior paralegal position. 

Seong Hwan was born and raised in South Korea, so he is well-versed in the rewards and challenges that come with being an international in the U.S. In his free time, he enjoys meditation and collecting paintings and LP disks. He also enjoys music and can play both the french horn and trumpet: talents he put on display during his mandatory military service as part of an army band.

Scott is a Senior International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Scott, an Indiana native, has extensive experience working both domestically and abroad. Prior to joining Columbia, he lived and worked in Poland, France, Mexico, Guatemala, French Polynesia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Massachusetts. Through this lens, he understands and appreciates the challenges international students may face as they pursue their academic goals in the U.S. or if they plan to study abroad.

In his free time, Scott enjoys exploring new neighborhoods across the city: an activity he has maintained since moving to NYC in 2015. He recommends visiting Astoria for Greek food, Greenpoint for Polish, Flushing for Chinese, and any neighborhood that has a good Jewish deli.

Saunda is a Senior International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she assists the Morningside campus’s robust international student community in matters regarding their immigration-related needs by providing advisory and documentation services as well as information on a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment, and travel.

Saundra has over 30 years of experience in the field of International Education. Prior to Columbia, she worked at Pratt Institute, Hunter College’s International English Language Institute, and the Borough of Manhattan Community College. No matter where she’s worked, she has always been a passionate international student advocate and educator. She holds an M.A. in Arts and Cultural Management, a B.A. in Political Science, and an A.B.D. in Organizational Studies.

Saundra is a native New Yorker and proud of it, as she considers NYC “the capital city of the world” due to its all-encompassing multiculturalism. She also identifies as a world traveler, having visited 80 countries and all 7 continents. In her free time, she enjoys tapping into her creative side by making collage art inspired by all of her travel and cultural experiences. Her favorite restaurant near campus is Dinosaur BBQ and especially recommends the Chicken Bowl.

Samantha is the Director of International Student Services for ISSO Morningside. She oversees and manages the Morningside team of Student Advisers and serves as a point of contact for academic departments. Samantha specializes in student & scholar regulations as well as programming for international students and scholars. She has been with the ISSO since 2018.

In addition to her work with the ISSO, Samantha also serves as a facilitator, mentor, moderator, presenter and trainer both nationally and internationally through NAFSA: Association of International Educators. She has co-authored several NAFSA training manuals: J-1 for Beginners, F-1 for Beginners, as well as Campus and Community Programming.

Samantha has over two decades of experience in the International Education & Compliance fields. She previously served as a Director of International Students and Scholars and as an International Student Advisor of International Education prior to joining Columbia. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Education.

In her free time, Samantha is an avid traveler; she has visited over 22 countries and even participated in a summer study abroad art program in Florence, Italy, where she got to touch the pages of Rembrandt's sketchbook. She also enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and zip-lining. Her favorite spot on campus is College Walk––especially during the winter when its trees are lit up.

Regina is the Assistant Director for International Student Services at ISSO Morningside. In her role, she oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of advising and support services to the Morningside campus’s robust international student community. She is an expert resource on F-1 and J-1 regulations and international students' work authorizations. 

Regina loves to travel and immerse herself in different cultures. Most recently, she traveled to Tokyo, Japan and is excited to share her enthusiasm for Japanese culture. She has also lived in Mexico, Uruguay and Peru, so feel free to ask her about working in any of these countries.

When not helping students, she is an avid runner and fuels her runs with coffee from Koro Kuma on Broadway and La Salle Street.

Bringing 10 years of international, global, and multicultural education experience, Raya provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. 

Raya arrived in the U.S. as a refugee, an experience that has deeply shaped her professional journey and personal commitment to helping international students thrive in their academic and personal lives. Having been in their shoes (originally from Iraq, speaking both Arabic and English), she understands the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where they can feel at home and focus on their academic success.

Before joining Columbia, Raya worked at Quinnipiac University, where she also supported international students. Currently working on her Professional MBA at Quinnipiac University and with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature (B.A.) from Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Raya still finds time to enjoy cooking, reading, exploring new neighborhoods, and taking road trips in search of fresh perspectives.

Noelle is the Associate Director for International Student Services of International Student Services for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of advising and support services for the Morningside team of Student Advisers. Additionally, she ​​assists the Morningside campus’s robust international student community in matters regarding their immigration-related needs by providing advisory and documentation services as well as information.

Noelle has been with the ISSO since 2015. Prior to joining Columbia, she was an International Student Advisor at The New School and taught ESL courses in Barcelona, Spain and in Boston, Massachusetts. She holds an M.A. in International Education and Training from American University in Washington, DC.

Noelle has spent her fair share of time abroad. She has studied in Florence, worked in Barcelona, and participated in a two-week seminar in South Korea as a Fulbright recipient for the International Education Administrators Award. These experiences have allowed her a multicultural perspective and a first-hand understanding of what it’s like to be an international in a foreign country: qualities she lends to her work with the ISSO.

Nilyufer is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia's robust F-1 students. Her expertise covers a range of issues related to visa, enrollment, employment, travel, etc. 

Holding a Master of Arts in Human Right Law and Political Science, from Manchester (UK), prior to Columbia University, Nilyufer has worked in academic affairs and international student services since 2016. Nilyufer has also worked as an International Student and Scholar Advisor at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ and an International Student Success Coach at LIM College in New York City, NY.

Nilyufer comes from Uzbekistan and is fluent in Russian and Uzbek. In her free time, she enjoys practicing traditional/hot yoga and traveling.

Nikolas is a Compliance Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In their role, they assist in processing visa documents and database management. They also work closely with the Student Advising team on other matters related to student compliance, ensuring that all Columbia international students are fulfilling the requirements needed to maintain their status in the U.S. 

Nikolas is a Georgia native. Prior to joining Columbia, Nikolas held a position related to international education at the Georgia Institute of Technology. They hold a B.A. in Modern Language and Culture–Spanish from Kennesaw State University, and they are currently enrolled in the M.A. Bilingual-Bicultural Education program at Teachers College.

Nikolas enjoys traveling and previously studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In their free time, you can find them maintaining their daily streak on Duolingo where they practice Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

Michelle is a Senior International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside.In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. She has been with the ISSO since 2003.

Michelle’s experiences living and working overseas in Spain and serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Russia have immensely shaped her worldview and influenced her career path into the field of international education. She has served the international community in various capacities, from teaching ESL classes to counseling them on immigration, academic and social adjustment matters.

Michelle holds an MA in International Educational Development from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a B.A. in International Relations from Boston University.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling, learning new languages, exploring new cultures and cuisines, going to broadway shows and scrapbooking. Her favorite spot near campus is Sakura Park, where she likes taking walks.

Mazaher is the Associate Director for Compliance at ISSO Morningside. In his role, he assists in reviewing and processing documents for newly admitted F-1 and J-1 students. He also works closely with the Student Advising team on matters related to student compliance issues, ensuring that all Columbia international students are fulfilling the requirements needed to maintain their status in the U.S.

Mazaher has been with the ISSO since 2016. He holds an M.A. in International Education from New York University. Prior to joining Columbia, he worked at the NYU Office of Global Services. 

Martha is a Senior International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Martha has been in the International Student Advising field since 2015. She first became interested in working with international students through a student worker position in the International Student and Scholars Office of her university during her undergraduate studies in Boston. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and a Master of International Studies with a specialization in International History and Politics. Martha spent nearly five years studying and working in Geneva, Switzerland, so she is well-versed in matters international students who plan to study or work abroad may face.

In her free time, Martha enjoys reading historical fiction, escaping the city to go on a hike, and visiting her family in Upstate NY and Southern Italy.

Mark is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. 

Being a part of Columbia and working with the international student community has been a career dream of Mark’s. Though he grew up in Connecticut, he is grateful for the opportunity to embrace his New York City roots.

Mark is an avid animal lover, traveler and sports watcher. In his free time, when he is not exploring the city, he enjoys tennis and gardening. 

Maria Reynoso is the Director of Compliance for ISSO Morningside. She is responsible for certifying the university’s compliance with federal regulations, directing the Compliance team, and overseeing the issuance of all student visa documents.

Maria has over 25 years of experience serving Columbia in the field of International Education and Compliance. Having been an international student herself, she thoroughly enjoys having the opportunity to support Columbia’s international community.

She received an Executive Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University; an LL.M. in Banking, Corporate and Finance Law from Fordham Law School; and an LL.B. from La Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña in the Dominican Republic.

Marc is the Assistant Director of Compliance for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he assists in processing student visa documents and database management. He also works closely with the Student Advising team on matters related to student compliance issues, ensuring that all Columbia international students are fulfilling the requirements needed to maintain their status in the U.S. 

With a background in international student services and advising, Marc initially joined the ISSO as a member of the Student Advising team then transitioned to the Compliance Team. Marc is a first-generation Filipino and grew up in Canada. Therefore, he intimately understands the challenges and rewards of international education, a perspective he lends to his work with the ISSO. 

While Manhattan is often the first borough most explored upon arrival, he recommends exploring Brooklyn next (the borough he now calls home): from Prospect Park to the Smorgasburg food markets.

Lana is the Assistant Director for Information Technology for ISSO. Within this capacity, she acts as one of the key figures responsible for addressing and resolving any technical issues within the office. She has been with Columbia University since 2013 and with the ISSO since 2016. 

Lana boasts more than three decades of professional experience. Before becoming part of Columbia, she worked as a Systems Analyst and Application Developer at the United Nations' Works and Relief Agency (UNRWA). In this role, Lana was instrumental in developing and maintaining software applications and databases that spanned across the Middle East to support UNRWA's operations.

Fluent in Arabic, Lana had a firsthand experience of international student life as she once was a foreign exchange student in the U.S. during her youth. Having spent time in New York City, she cherishes its multicultural essence—embracing the diversity in people, languages, music, art, and cuisine. Lana finds joy in taking leisurely strolls around the campus, particularly at Riverside Park, where she can unwind and enjoy a peaceful walk.

Kurtis comes to the ISSO after 9 years at NYU’s Office of Global Services, where he most recently served as a Systems Administrator. He brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and over 15 years of relevant experience.

He aids in ISSO's technological needs and implements new technology to make overall collaboration easier. Kurtis is passionate about utilizing technology to foster business innovation, enhancing efficiency, and assists his colleagues in achieving their goals.

Outside of work, Kurtis is also a proud husband and father. He believes that family has strengthened his commitment toward both personal and professional development.

Kimberly is an Assistant Director of Faculty and Scholar Services for ISSO Morningside and Manhattanville. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to the scholar community belonging to the Morningside campus. She also assists academic departments in bringing international faculty and researchers to the university.

Prior to joining Columbia, Kimberly provided services for the instructional H-1B and J-1 scholar populations at Fordham University. She holds two M.S. degrees from Fordham University: one in Human Resources Management and one in Education Administration.

Kimberly is a native New Yorker. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

As Director, Kathy leads the advisory team at ISSO-CUIMC and is responsible for overseeing federal immigration compliance of the international community of students, faculty and scholars at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus. She also oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of immigration-related services.

Kathy has had an extensive career at the Medical Center, the longest tenure is at the ISSO-CUIMC. Her longstanding leadership of the ISSO-CUIMC and breadth of immigration knowledge is noteworthy and beneficial for Columbia University’s international community. She is well-recognized at CUIMC for her expertise in the field.

Jennifer is the Associate Director of International Student Services for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides support and services focused on student wellness and mental health to the Morningside campus’ robust international student community. In particular, she attends to students with more significant needs, such as those facing difficulties related to their academic performance and adjusting to life at Columbia and/or in the U.S.

Jennifer has over 30 years of experience serving Columbia’s international population through the ISSO, so she is an expert in handling a vast array of situations students may come across during their time here. She holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.P.A.–– both from Columbia University. 

Jennifer takes pride in being a native New Yorker, having grown up in Washington Heights. She is also a fluent Spanish speaker. In her free time, she enjoys salsa dancing, traveling and trying new cuisines from different cultures. Her favorite spot on campus is “Low Beach”: the steps of Low Library. She especially likes sitting by them in the springtime and watching the hustle and bustle of campus life.

Jennifer is an Assistant Director for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services (both in-person and via phone) to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. She has been with the ISSO since 2020.

Jennifer has accrued over a decade of experience in the field. Prior to joining Columbia, she was a Director of Global Learning for a SUNY school, where she was responsible for international student recruitment, student services and study abroad. In addition to her work in international education, she has worked and traveled with the U.S. Department of State for global exchange programs such as the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program and Global UGRAD and has also served as chair of NAFSA Region X.

Jennifer has a passion for French Language and Art History, an affinity she discovered while studying at Reid Hall, Columbia’s Global Center in Paris, France.  Her favorite spot near campus is the Hungarian Pastry Shop as she enjoys their coffee and almond horn pastries.

Jane is the Director of Faculty and Scholar Services for ISSO Morningside and Manhattanville. In her role, she leads the Scholar Advising Team, overseeing the development and delivery of visa sponsorship services for the international faculty, researchers, Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Interns belonging to the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. Jane also serves as the Responsible Officer for Columbia University's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which facilitates a robust slate of academic, professional and cultural exchanges each year. 

Jane has been with the ISSO since 2000. She is passionate about international education and finding new ways to support and facilitate faculty and research exchanges within Columbia University. This passion for international education was sparked early in her career while working as an educator with the U.S. Peace Corps in the Fiji Islands and in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. 

Jane holds a Master's Degree in International and Comparative Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a Bachelor's Degree from Saint Michael's College in Vermont.

James is the Assistant Director of International Student Professional Development Programming. In his role as part of the Programming team, he is responsible for cultivating the Global Leadership Advancing Student Success (GLASS) program. He does this by designing leadership and professional development training to complement international students’ academic studies and by fostering opportunities for connections and collaborations among the international student community.

James has been in the field of education for over 10 years. He has taught prospective international students both domestically and abroad, so he is well-versed in curating programs that support a diverse international student community. He holds a BA in International Studies from Yonsei University’s Underwood International College and an MA in International Educational Development from Columbia University’s Teachers College. 

James has close ties to East Asia, having lived and studied in South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. His experiences abroad have allowed him a love for travel, learning new cultures and (of course!) trying new food. In his free time, he enjoys taking on DIY home-improvement projects, cheering on his favorite sports teams and exploring Central Park.

Jacob is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In his role, he provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. His expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. 

Jacob has worked with international students in and around NYC for nearly 20 years. He also understands what it means to be able to live and work abroad: he previously spent four years in The Gambia, West Africa, where he worked in agroforestry and teaching local language literacy.

In his free time, Jacob is an active musician and enjoys singing in choral groups. He also enjoys juggling, and you can likely find him out on the university quad with the Columbia University Juggling Club. His favorite neighborhood in NYC is East 116th street– Little Sénégal!

Heesuk is an International Student and Scholar Adviser at ISSO-CUIMC. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to the international community of students, faculty and scholars belonging to Columbia’s medical campus.

Originally from South Korea, Heesuk came to the United States to pursue her education and learn about different cultures. She holds a M.A. in International Education from New York University and previously worked at Adelphi University and Institute of International Education. Heesuk has over 8 years of experience in the field of International Education.

During her free time, Heesuk enjoys traveling, trying new cuisines, spending time with her family, and going to see off-Broadway plays.

Hadija is an Assistant Director for ISSO-CUIMC. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to the international community of students, faculty and scholars belonging to Columbia’s medical campus.

Hadija holds an M.A. from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She is originally from Russia and came to the U.S. as an international student to pursue this degree, so she has first-hand experience at being an international student in this country.

Working with the international community makes Hadija feel like she gets to travel the world without leaving NYC. Though she doesn't believe in travel bucket lists, she does have an insatiable travel bug.

Gwyneth is the Senior Associate Director for ISSO-CUIMC. In her role, she oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of advisory and support services for the international community of students, faculty, and scholars at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 

Gwyneth holds an M.A. in International Relations from the Brussels School of International Studies (through the University of Kent at Canterbury, England) and an Ed.M. in International Educational Development from Columbia University’s Teachers College.

Gwyneth has gained insights on a global level from her time studying abroad as well as teaching students in Japan. Through this lens, Gwyneth understands and appreciates the challenges international students and scholars may face as they pursue their academic goals in the United States and is highly dedicated to the field.

Evelyn is a Senior Compliance Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she primarily serves the F-1 and J-1 new student populations: processing their visa documents, managing their database, and working closely with the Student Advising team to ensure they are fulfilling the requirements needed to maintain their status in the U.S. She also supports ISSO’s Data Analyst with data and statistical reporting and coordinates the publication of the Compliance Team’s quarterly newsletter.

Evelyn has over a decade of experience in the professional field of international education. Prior to joining Columbia, she was an International Student Adviser and Designated School Official for The Art Students League of New York as well as a Technology Coordinator and Designated School Official for the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

Given her first-hand experience as an international student, Evelyn has always had a certain connection with and empathy for the international student community. She understands the courage it takes to upend the comfort of familiarity for new educational experiences as well as the layered challenges that come with this pursuit. With this in mind, Evelyn derives much meaning from serving the international community at Columbia.

Liz is the Associate Director of Faculty and Scholar Services for ISSO Morningside and Manhattanville. In her role, she is responsible for the preparation and filing of Special Handling PERM applications as well as Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professor/Researcher and National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions. She is an expert resource for faculty, researchers, scholars and staff on a wide range of employment-based issues including how nonimmigrant visa status factors into the permanent residence process.

Prior to joining Columbia, Liz served as a Client Services Manager for Fragomen, where she supervised a team involved in providing both nonimmigrant visas as well as permanent residence services to large, multinational corporations.

Liz's first job after graduating from college was as an Editorial Assistant in the College division of HarperCollins (then Harper & Row.) In many ways, she feels she has come full circle.

Dawn is an Assistant Director for Compliance for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she assists in processing visa documents and database management. She also works closely with the Student Advising team on other matters related to student compliance, ensuring that all Columbia international students are fulfilling the requirements needed to maintain their status in the U.S. 

Dawn has been with the ISSO since 2017. She holds an M.P.A. from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. 

In her free time, Dawn enjoys traveling and trying restaurants in new cities. The NYC restaurant scene is what she loves most about living in the city.

Colleen is an Assistant Director of Faculty and Scholar Services for ISSO Morningside and Manhattanville. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to the scholar community belonging to these campuses. She also assists academic departments in bringing international faculty and researchers to the university, facilitates orientation programs for J-1 scholars, and provides workshops and one-on-one training for department staff members. She finds the opportunity to support Columbia’s international faculty & researchers truly rewarding.

Prior to joining Columbia, Colleen held various positions within the Exchange Visitor Sponsorship team at the Institute of International Education. She holds an M.A. in International Education from New York University and a B.A. from the University at Buffalo. 

In her free time, Colleen enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, paddling––generally any outdoor activity.

Claire is a Data Analyst on the Compliance Team for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she is responsible for data management and reporting for the ISSO. She also assists new incoming students with their arrival to the U.S., helps students to maintain F-1/J-1 student status, and serves as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer. She has been with the ISSO since 2016.

Prior to joining Columbia, Claire served as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer for The New School’s International Student and Scholar Services. Claire enjoys working with the international community as it provides the ability to meet people from many different places and learn about their experiences and aspirations.

Claire is a big fan of living in NYC because of the city’s extensive opportunities with respect to experiences, sights, and finding supportive communities. Her favorite spot near campus is Riverside Park, as she appreciates the views of the Hudson River and is overall a nice green space to take a break.

Chuchu is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel. 

Prior to joining Columbia, Chuchu spent over seven years working for the Australian Consulate General, where she specialized in immigration regulations and laws. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

In her free time, Chuchu likes to travel and learn about different cultures. Her first international trip was to Botswana for an African-Chinese cultural exchange event. She also enjoys the arts, ballet, and spending time with her family. Her favorite spot near campus is Westside Market due to its large variety and its reasonable prices.

Chad is the Associate Director for International Student Programs. In his role as head of the Programming team, he develops programs designed to build community and support the overall success of Columbia’s international student population: objectives that he and the team achieve by delivering events aimed at fostering inclusion and belonging, developing intercultural humility, and promoting leadership and global mindfulness.

Chad holds over 20 years of experience in the field of international, global, and intercultural education. He is a teacher by training and has lived, studied, and worked in the U.S., Germany, Ukraine, and South Korea. These experiences have taught  him unique intercultural perspectives that can be seen in his work with ISSO.

In his free time, Chad enjoys reading in local coffee shops and participating in group fitness classes. 

Cait is a Program Development Specialist on the Programming Team at the ISSO. In her role, she assists in developing programs designed to build community and support the success of Columbia's international scholar population. Additionally, Cait coordinates efforts to bring the accompanying spouses, partners, and families of our international students and scholars together within our community.

Her studies include an M.S. Ed in International Educational Development from Penn Graduate School of Education and she majored in Japanese for her undergraduate degree (spending one year as an exchange student in Nagoya, Japan).

Cait began her career in English language instruction as a high school teacher in Jeonju, South Korea through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Before that, Cait worked as a Research Assistant in the U.S. - Japan Relations Program at Harvard's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs.

She loves working with the international community because there is always something new to learn and to teach. She understands how joyful and challenging it can be to start again in a brand new country and in a brand new language.

Her hobbies include baking, hiking, Korean skincare, and watching documentaries about sports (particularly sports she does not play).

Ben is the Senior Assistant Director for Communications. In his role, he oversees, manages and maintains all communications-related materials for the ISSO: the website, email marketing, user testing, social media, interactive forms and various other types of online communications. His main objective is to put the “user”–which comprises the Columbia international student and scholar community as well as university members –first.

Ben has been with the ISSO since 2015. He is passionate about working with the international community, and loves learning about all of their amazing projects, goals and experiences that led them to Columbia.

Prior to joining Columbia, Ben worked at New York University's Office of Global Services for several years in multiple capacities. He holds an M.P.S. in Interaction Design New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and a B.A. in Visual Arts with an Emphasis in Graphic Design and Business from the University of San Francisco.

Ben has also studied abroad in London and loved it so much that he would look into living there if he didn’t live in NYC. In his free time, Ben enjoys walking around Columbia’s various campuses. He thinks this is a great way to exercise while also experiencing NYC’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Alexis is a Senior International Student Adviser at ISSO Morningside. In her role, she provides documentation and advising services to Columbia’s robust F and J-1 student community, tending to their immigration-related needs through assistance and information. Her expertise covers a host of issues such as visas, enrollment, employment and travel.

Alexis is a nationally recognized advocate for international education and US immigration policy. She holds degrees from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and Pitzer College. She is proficient in Japanese and Spanish.

In her free time, Alexis is an avid traveler. Her travels have taken her to Panama, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Italy, England, Mexico, Canada, Dominican Republic and 31 U.S. states. Her favorite place to visit near campus is the West Harlem Piers just off 125th Street, where you can get a stellar view of the Hudson River. 

Aidé specializes in supporting F-1 international students, offering comprehensive advising services and documentation assistance to the international community at Columbia’s medical campus. She has over 10 years of experience in education, with five of those years focused specifically on international education.

Before joining Columbia, Aidé worked as an International Student Advisor at ArtCenter College of Design in California, where she primarily supported F-1 students in arts and design programs. In this role, she provided guidance on visa and immigration matters, organized workshops, and helped students navigate the complexities of studying in the U.S. Before transitioning into F-1 advising at ArtCenter, she spent four years teaching in Spain, where she introduced students to American culture and the English language. Aidé earned her B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from UC Irvine and a Master's degree in Spanish from Middlebury College.

Her favorite part of working with international students is building genuine relationships and helping them feel at home during such an important chapter of their lives. Having personally experienced studying and living abroad in Argentina and Spain, she remembers the excitement—but also the uncertainty—that comes with adjusting to a new culture and education system. That experience has deeply shaped how she approaches her role. Aidé strives to be someone students can trust and rely on, whether it's patiently guiding them through complex immigration procedures, helping them access campus resources, or simply offering encouragement and understanding when they're feeling overwhelmed. Seeing students become comfortable, confident, and successful in their new environment is incredibly rewarding and motivates Aidé every day. 

In her free time, Aidé enjoys traveling, visiting museums, photography, cooking, exploring cafes and restaurants, and going on walks. She has traveled to more than 30 countries across four continents, and each trip has given her a deeper appreciation for different cultures, languages, and ways of life.