J Scholar Advising Team
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Kaetlin Henry Assistant Director for Scholar Services |
I joined BIO back in July of 2006, just two years after I graduated from Cal with a B.A. in political science. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who are equally passionate about intercultural exchange and I love that every day I am able to help facilitate scholars coming to UC Berkeley from around the world to engage in important research projects that are changing the world for the better. My passion for intercultural exchange led me to pursue a Master’s degree in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute, which I was able to accomplish while continuing to work at BIO. My interest in intercultural exchange was sparked when I studied abroad in the Netherlands during my studies at UC Berkeley. I lived in an international dormitory and built friendships with people from all over the world. In addition to studying abroad, I also worked overseas for a year in Santiago, Chile as a middle school and high school English teacher. It was another incredible intercultural experience and gave me the opportunity to travel through the beautiful countries of Chile and Argentina. I am a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, having been born and raised in Marin county. I love traveling the world and have seen incredibly beautiful places, but whenever I return, I always appreciate the beauty here as well. My favorite things to do when I’m not working are playing games with my kids, swimming, and enjoying the beauty of the area around us. |
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Katie McClure International Scholar Adviser |
Hello everyone, nice to meet you! My name is Katie and I joined the BIO team in March of 2023. I am coming to the J Scholar team from Atlanta, Georgia where I spent the last several years advising international students.
I received my BA in International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I studied abroad in China twice, once in Shanghai and once in Beijing. While there I fell in love with higher education and international exchange and knew that was where I wanted my career to take me. While pursuing my master's in higher education at Indiana University I worked within their international office and have never looked back! Having recently moved to the Bay Area, in my free time I am enjoying biking around the east bay, hiking in the redwoods, and going tidepooling for the first time! If you have never been to California before do not wait to get out there and enjoy all the varied geography the state has to offer! When I can't be outside, I have a love for historical fantasy books and endless coffee. I look forward to meeting you! |
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Jessica Sharp International Student and Scholar Advisor |
I originally started working at BIO in September 2019. I transitioned to a GSAO role in Summer 2022 in the School of Social Welfare where I was able to broaden my horizons. As of January 2024, I’ve transitioned back to BIO where I’m excited to be a part of the international community once again. I’m originally from San Pedro town, a small island in northern Belize (with a population of approx. 10,000). In 2009, I moved to the Bay Area where I spent the year getting to know communities through volunteer opportunities. Ever since then, I’ve considered the Bay Area my second home. In 2010 – 2012, I completed my B.A. as a transfer student at Knox College in Galesburg, IL. By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue my graduate studies abroad. In 2012, I pursued an M.A. in English Literature at Kingston University in London. Due to my own international experiences, I began to pursue international education professionally. My background in international education has ranged from compliance to student success advising. My professional interests include intercultural communication, community engagement, and cultural adjustment. I have an endless love for travel, food, and learning about different cultures, and I hope to continue broadening my experiences. Since I’m originally from a country with a complex and interesting cultural identity, I love learning about the intricacies of how we define ourselves. In my free time, I love reading, watching good TV and movies, and exploring new food spots around the Bay! I’m excited to be a part of the international community here at Berkeley and look forward to meeting you! |
Employment-Based Advising Team
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Rajan Eapen Assistant Director for Employment-Based Services |
I started at BIO in March 2020. I'm originally from Washington, DC where my parents landed after emigrating from India as international students. I'm an immigration attorney by background and I joined BIO after spending 8 years in the Office of International Education at the University of Vermont where I led the employee and scholar related services for the office. Before coming to international education I worked in private practice and in-house as immigration counsel.
Professionally I'm involved with NAFSA Trainer Corps and also serve on NAFSA's International Student & Scholar Regulatory Practice Committee. In my free time, I love going hiking with my family, running in Marin and playing squash. I'm excited to be part of the Berkeley international community and look forward to meeting you!
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Sook Hollingshead Project Analyst and International Scholar Adviser |
I started at BIO in June 2007 and grew up in colorful Colorado. I received my M.Ed. in Counseling from Northern Arizona University, ESL/EFL Teacher Certification from Transworld Teachers, and a B.S. in Business Administration and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. I have been involved in international education for many years, having worked in a variety of schools (NAU, University Nevada Las Vegas, and University of California San Francisco) and lived in various locals including South Korea, studying in the Netherlands and working in Ireland and Mexico. I have also toured China, Kenya, Tanzania, Japan, Guatemala and several countries in Europe. Currently, my advising responsibilities include J, H-1B, and TN scholars/employees. |
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Todd Armistead International Scholar & Employment-Based Analyst |
Hello! I joined BIO in November 2021. I was born and raised in San Diego, California and got my bachelor’s degree here at UC Berkeley. I lived abroad for over nine years in England, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China. These experiences gave me a passion for learning languages and an appreciation for the value and importance of intercultural communication. I was able to enjoy my time abroad thanks to the help and patience of so many people and I hope to help all of you have a wonderful experience here at CAL. Go Bears! |
