Contact Biography As an International Student and Scholar Coordinator, Irene advises the University of Pennsylvania community on issues pertaining to federal immigration and employment regulations. She previously worked as an International Scholar Advisor at Wayne State University and North Carolina State University and as a paralegal at an immigration law firm. Most recently she was employed…
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 Senior Associate Director for Advising Services at ISSS. Her primary role is supervising a team of ISSS Advisors. She also advises F-1 and J-1 students, J-1 scholars, H-1B, O-1, E-3 and TN employees on immigration related areas as well as cultural and personal issues. In addition, she consults with…
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, supervising marketing and communications efforts, fostering partnerships, and supporting student leaders’ advocacy efforts to…
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…
Biography School: College of Arts and Science Major: Political Science and Modern Middle Eastern Studies