Meet the Staff
Eunsook Hyun, PhD
Professor & Associate Provost
Director of the Office International and Transnational Affairs
Telephone: 617-287-7560
eunsook.hyun@umb.edu
For Dr. Hyun's profile and publications please click here.
Lurlene Van Buren
Study Abroad & International Student Exchange Coordinator
Telephone: 617-287-3961
lurlene.vanburen@umb.edu
With over 12 years of experience in study abroad, she can help you realize and participate in the academic international program of your dreams in the country of your choice. Please call her to make an appointment or visit the Study Abroad Office ANY WEDNESDAY from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. during walk ins without an appointment.
Susan Leigh Connors
Coordinator of International Student & Scholar Services
Telephone: 617-287-5586
susan.connors@umb.edu
Susan has been working in the field of international education since 1993. She spent the 90s living and working abroad in Italy, and has been specifically involved in the field of immigration compliance since 2006. She holds degrees in Spanish and Italian literature. Her main interests are in the areas of art, politics, world literature, health sciences, cooking, and she has been is an avid practitioner of power yoga since 2005.
Kimberly Montoni
Coordinator of Programs for International Students & Scholars
Telephone: 617-287-5515
kimberly.montoni@umb.edu
Before joining OITA, Kim was a study abroad assistant for the American Institute for Foreign Study in Austria and an international student at the Universität Salzburg. She has since conducted field research in England and pursued a B.A. in Anthropology and a graduate degree in Historical Archaeology from UMB. Her research interests include cultural heritage and human rights, situational identity, network analysis, and international migration, past and present. Her positive personal experience in study abroad and background in anthropology inspire her work in international education today. Most recently, she has worked to develop the International Conversation Hour and Discussion Series, The Massachusetts Maritime Heritage Event, and the Ethnic Enclaves of Boston City Tour.
Mariana L. Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant
Telephone: 617-287-5586
isss@umb.edu
Mariana’s previous work experience helped her to build on customer service skills. Working there, she helped assist various financial aid advisors process their student loans from Colleges all over the U.S. Mariana’s love for traveling and photography has helped her to become a well rounded person by learning, appreciating and capturing other countries affairs, cultures and beliefs and befriending unforgettable people who have made an impact in her life. Her interest in learning more about international education, traveling, along with the previous experience in client services helps her provide the best assistance to the international students attending UMass Boston.
Shannon Gerber
Assistant Coordinator of International Students & Scholars Services
Telephone: 617-287-5586
shannon.gerber@umb.edu
Originally from Connecticut, Shannon completed her Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Literature at the UMass Amherst and participated in a year abroad at Tsukuba University in Ibaraki, Japan. Shannon went on to complete a Master’s degree in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University in Cambridge. Shannon worked in the student travel industry for 3 years and has traveled extensively to over 20 countries. Shannon joined UMass Boston from Endicott College, where she served as the International Student Services Advisor for three years working with international students and international programming on campus. She has a personal interest in learning about East and Southeast Asian cultures and would one day like to learn to speak Korean.
New Staff:
Sara Connolly
Assistant Coordinator for Study Abroad/Exchange Programs
617-287-5792
sara.connolly@umb.edu
Ela Kijowska
Assistant Director
617-287-6384
Ela.Kijowska@umb.edu
Coretta Bates
Office Administrator/Business Manager
617-287-7560
coretta.bates@umb.edu
Every semester OITA staff is supported by work study student in providing services to UMB students. Work study students help with back-office operations and assist incoming students at the reception desk.
During Spring 2013 following students will be working in OITA office:
- Penisha Daniel
- Nitika Roach
- Linda Cheng
- Han Vo
- Wilkins Ventura
