Contact Biography Daniel Deck is an International Student and Scholar Advisor for International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Prior to joining the ISSS Team, Daniel worked as an Immigration Paralegal as well as an Immigration Services Coordinator. He has a Bachelor of Education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and extensive experience with international students. Originally from…
Contact Biography Amanda Phipps is the SEVIS Systems Coordinator and Data Analyst for the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) department. She previously worked as an International Student and Scholar Advisor at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of North Georgia. Amanda will utilize the immigration and institutional knowledge gained in her previous roles…
Contact Biography Chiwei is the Associate Director for Faculty and Scholar Support at ISSS. As part of the ISSS leadership team, Chiwei’s main role is to provide Penn’s international faculty members, scholars and hiring departments with services on immigrant matters and strategic plans based on federal immigration regulations and Penn’s policy. Chiwei handles a wide…
Contact Biography Jeremy Spohr is the Associate Director for Client Services at ISSS. As part of the ISSS leadership team, his main role is to provide front line case management, proactive problem solving, and managerial support to International Students, Scholars and Penn departments. Jeremy advises F-1 and J-1 students, J-1 scholars, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN…
Contact Biography Donna Steinfeldt is the Associate Director for Advising Services at ISSS. She is a DSO and an ARO for Penn. In her current position, her responsibilities include overseeing the document processing for newly admitted F-1 and J-1 students. She also advises F-1 and J-1 students, J-1 scholars, H-1B, O-1, E-3 and TN employees on…
Contact Biography Dr. Yuhong He serves as the Director of Integration, Community Engagement and Marketing at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). In this capacity, she leads the integration team, driving the development of strategic plans and processes, overseeing program delivery, fostering partnerships, and supporting student leaders’ advocacy efforts to advance ISSS’s integration mission. Dr.…
Contact Biography Lily Zhang is the Director of Advising, Compliance, IT, and Operations at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Pennsylvania. With over two decades of experience in international education, she is a seasoned professional dedicated to advancing international education through meaningful global collaborations. In her role, Lily oversees the daily…
Contact Biography Dr. Rodolfo “Rudie” Altamirano serves as the Executive Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Executive Director of Immigration Services and Integration Programs at the University of Pennsylvania. In these dual roles, he provides strategic leadership in developing and implementing campus-wide initiatives that enhance global engagement, foster cross-cultural understanding, and…