Vacant

Director

Specializes in J-1 regulations and policies. Oversees the international student counselors, appointments, and office programming.

Appointments available by request only.

Stefan Johnsson

Associate Director
sjohnsso@central.uh.edu

Born and raised in Sweden, Stefan grew up in an environment where his parents worked and ministered to refugees and immigrants who entered the country. His dad was an international student himself who came to study in the U.S. This passion helped propel him into the field of international education. He received bachelor’s degree in History and Sociology from the University of Kansas and a master’s in International Relations from Webster University. He has worked at ISSSO at the University of Houston since 2013. Stefan likes to read and write in his spare time as well as spend time with his family and friends.

Stefan oversees compliance for non-immigrant students, front desk processing, and customer service support. Works as a liaison with academic support staff and University offices for enrolled international students. Acting PDSO/RO for the University.

Appointments available by request. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

Nicole Xi

SEVIS Compliance Senior Coordinator
nxi2@central.uh.edu

Nicole grew up in Shanghai, China before moving to the U.S. and speaks fluent mandarin. She received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts at UH Clear Lake. Nicole began working at UH in 2019 and transitioned to her current position in 2022. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her small dog, and visiting art shows and galleries when possible. The favorite part of her job is ensuring that students are in compliance while supporting international students with their immigration-related questions and concerns.

Nicole’s responsibility is to help students meet their enrollment requirements to maintain their status in the U.S. Primary contact for how to maintain F-1 status, RCL’s, and enrollment requirements.

Available by appointment to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1, reinstatement to F-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1 employment authorizations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

Ida Thompson

International Student Counselor 2
ithompson@uh.edu

Available by appointment to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1/J-1, reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1/J-1 employment authorizations, J-1 orientations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

Allison Foster

International Student Counselor 2
avfoster@central.uh.edu

For Allison, Houston is her hometown, but she left to explore the world before she felt the need to return home. As a seasoned traveler and educator, Allison spent time in Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines and has only recently moved back to Houston in May 2023 where she began working at UH. Allison received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas and J.D. at the Fordham University School of Law. Her educational background also includes a master’s in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She has worked with international students since 2010 and uses her free time for traveling, yoga, Pilates, and listening to music. Allison enjoys the opportunity to meet and speak with students and scholars from all over the world.

Available by appointment to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1/J-1, reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1/J-1 employment authorizations, J-1 orientations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

Cathy Chen

International Student Counselor 2
qchen26@central.uh.edu

Cathy began working in the field of international education in 2009 and has been living in Houston since 2021. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a master’s degree. Cathy is fluent in Chinese, enjoys watching movies, and spends time traveling with her family. The most enjoyable part of her job is helping international students adapt to the American culture whilst learning about their home countries and cultural traditions.

Available by  appointment  to meet with students, scholars, and alumni with questions about change of status to F-1/J-1, reinstatement to F-1/J-1 status, medical reasons and below hours, F-1/J-1 employment authorizations, J-1 orientations, transitions, and cultural issues. Services students for in-person and virtual walk-ins as part of the advising team on a rotational basis.

Upaj Bhattarai

SEVIS Compliance Coordinator
ubhattarai@uh.edu

Originally from Nepal, Upaj holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Northampton, UK, where he studied as an international student. He received his Bachelor’s in English and Sociology from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He was also a J-1 scholar through a U.S. Department of State sponsored program, an experience that deepened his understanding of global education and cross-cultural exchange. His academic background and personal experiences have shaped his passion for international education and student advocacy.

Upaj speaks Nepali, Hindi, and English. In his free time, he enjoys photography, videography and trekking, capturing the beauty of nature and diverse cultures.
Upaj is the primary support for F-1 alumni on OPT for their OPT/-X reporting requirements and oversees the J-1 reporting, check-in, and document issuance. He also advises international students and scholars on visa regulations and cultural integration.

Vacant

Program Coordinator II

Coordinates ISSSO’s International Friendship Program and assists with various cultural events hosted by the office. He also helps students with questions regarding driver's license, social security applications, and ways to get involved on- and off-campus.

Vacant

Records Associate II- Front Desk

Provides front-line support for students, scholars, alumni, and dependents. Assists non-immigrants with requests not requiring an appointment.

Yu Wang

Records Associate II– Front Desk

Yu grew up in Zhengzhou, China but has traveled back and forth between the U.S. multiple times. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language while in China, she came to the U.S. to study a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Washington. She lived in Houston from 2018 to 2021 before returning to China and then moved to Houston on a more permanent basis in 2023.  It wasn’t long after where she began to work for ISSSO in April of 2024.  Outside of work, Yu enjoys spending time with family, learning Spanish, and traveling. The best part of her job is being able to meet international students and scholars from all over the world. As she was once an international student, it brings a great sense of happiness for her to help others.

Provides front-line support for students, scholars, alumni, and dependents. Assists non-immigrants with requests not requiring an appointment.

Vacant

Records Associate II– SEVIS Compliance

Provides front-line support for students, scholars, alumni, and dependents. Assists non-immigrants with requests not requiring an appointment." under the vacant position.

Aditya Bambole

Instructional Assistant

Aditya, originally from India, completed his bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the University of Pune. In the fall of 2024, he ventured to Houston to pursue a master's in Technology Project Management. He recently began working for ISSSO as an Instructional Assistant in January 2025. A true adventurer at heart, Aditya has a passion for travel, road trips, trekking, and hiking. He also thrives on the thrill of playing volleyball and other adrenaline-pumping adventure sports.

Assists ISSSO with programming, webinars, reports, and additional office processes and procedures.

Veronica Saha

Instructional Assistant

Veronica grew up in Chandigarh, a city in northern India known as "The City Beautiful.” After completing their bachelor's degree in information technology, they were drawn to continue studying defensive security, so they moved to Houston in August of 2024 to pursue a master's degree in Cybersecurity. Veronica began working with ISSSO as a peer advisor for the Spring 2025 orientation before starting their position as an IA. For them, the most rewarding part of working at ISSSO is empowering international students to navigate the complexities of their academic journey. They find great fulfillment in connecting students with essential resources and providing support along the way.

Veronica loves volunteering for different student organizations across campus, esp. those related to diversity, inclusivity, and mental health initiatives. They also like crocheting as a meditative activity and play Genshin Impact (a proud Yae Miko main) as a way to unwind, relax, and recharge. And whenever they have the time, they visit their sister in Dallas where their two favorite cats, Momo and Jacky, reside.

Assists ISSSO with programming, webinars, reports, and additional office processes and procedures.