Duties: 

Provide information and assistance to international scholars and student interns with immigration and other questions as well as to UAF units wishing to host or hire international scholars and student interns. Immigration specialist in the J-1 (Exchange Visitor), H-1B (specialty occupation), TN (Trade NAFTA - Canadian and Mexican citizens) and U.S. Permanent Residency.

Personal Profile: 

Born in the Netherlands where her father was stationed, she came to the U.S. for the first time at 2. Through marriage and a military spouse, she came to the Interior in 1998. Employment at one of our university research institutes brought her specialized knowledge and expertise for J-1 Scholars, H-1B Specialty Employees and Permanent Residency. She joined our office in 2004 to continue working with our international students and scholars, as well, the UAF community. Joanna lives with her husband and daughter and enjoys exploring new places and reading in her spare time.

Contact me if:  you have questions regarding immigration issues, hosting or hiring international visitors or have other questions and you don't know who to ask.

Contact: jgcruzan@alaska.edu, +1 907 474 7157

Duties: 

Reija provides information and assistance to international students, present in the U.S. in the F-1 immigration status, and who are enrolled in academic programs.

Personal Profile:

Reija joined the International Programs and Initiatives in August 2015. Although originally from Finland, UAF is not an unfamiliar place to her: She attended UAF first as an exchange student and a few years later as a graduate student. Reija holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi and a Master of Arts in Global Environmental Policy from UAF. She enjoys horseback riding, traveling, and reading.

Contact me if:  You have any questions pertaining to F-1 student status, including OPT.

Contact:  rsshnoro@alaska.edu, +1 907 474 7583

Duties:

Nicole  provides advising for UAF's exchange and study abroad programs.