Carlson Global Institute Staff

Program Director, Global Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Email: bai@umn.edu

Mandy leads the Global DBA program in partnership with Tsinghua University in China. She has a B.A. in English and International Studies from China Foreign Affairs University, an M.A. in Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and an M.B.A. from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Before joining the Carlson Global Institute, she worked as the Associate Director at the University of Minnesota's China Center.

Her favorite international experience was kayaking and hiking at the Simatai Great Wall in Beijing.

Program Manager, Education Abroad
Email: cbonrud@umn.edu
 

Candice earned her bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from South Dakota State University and her master’s degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Minnesota focusing on the local Russian population and their access to healthcare. Candice has over 10 years of service at the University of Minnesota having previously worked in facility operations and events. She spent the summer abroad in Russia in 2008 and attended short-term programs in Turkey in 2009 and again in Russia in 2015 and 2016.

One of Candice’s most memorable experiences abroad was waking up at dawn to watch a hot air balloon festival in Cappadocia, Turkey. 

Director, Education Abroad 
Email: kirstenc@umn.edu

Kirsten earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master's degree in Comparative and International Development Education (CIDE) at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining the Carlson Global Institute in 2008, she spent six years working in corporate training and development with domestic and overseas teams. Kirsten spent a semester abroad in Spain as an undergraduate, and currently oversees the education abroad programs for Carlson students.

Kirsten's favorite international experience to date was her time living in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala leading a rural health initiative.

Assistant Dean, Global Initiatives
Email: adangelo@umn.edu

Anne is the Assistant Dean of Global Initiatives. Her professional background includes work in international education, development and training in Washington, D.C., Central and Eastern Europe, and Northern Africa. She also lived and worked abroad in Tokyo, Japan, and Tbilisi, Georgia. Anne has a B.A. in English from St. Michael's College in Vermont and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development with a specialization in Comparative and International Development Education from College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. In 2016, Anne received the University of Minnesota's Distinguished Award for Global Engagement.

Anne's favorite international experience was her work at the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia (1997-2000) after the collapse of the Soviet Union, especially covering momentous events such as the distribution of titles of landownership for the first time to rural farmers.

Associate Program Director, Education Abroad 
Email: laurend@umn.edu

After completing her undergraduate degree at Grinnell College in French, Lauren spent two years teaching English in France and traveling extensively around Western Europe. She returned to the U.S. to attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota where she completed a M.A. degree in Educational Policy and Administration with a focus on International and Intercultural Education in May of 2011. During graduate school, Lauren interned with Operation Crossroads Africa and spent seven weeks in Togo and Ghana. Following her degree, she was a fellow at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication.

Picking just one favorite international experience is extremely difficult for Lauren, so here are a few highlights: riding on the back of a motorcycle all over Togo with her Togolese brother; exploring Ancient Roman ruins in Greece; living in a small town in Northern France and losing horribly at Monopoly to her host brother; and being the only non-French person in a group hiking the hills of Provence in Southern France during her college study abroad semester.

Operations Coordinator, Information Management Lead
Email: zoe@umn.edu

Zoé earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International and Global Studies from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her first study abroad experience was in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. She studied abroad in Beijing, China during her undergraduate degree work, and has lived and worked in Vancouver, Canada. Prior to joining Carlson Global Institute, she worked as an independent contractor.

Zoé is fascinated by how tea can connect people around the world and holds a deep appreciation for the tea culture she was exposed to in China and Turkey. Some of her most memorable international experiences include trying different types of tea during her travels.

Assistant Director, Global Executive Programs 
Email: gate0034@umn.edu 

Katie earned a master’s degree in law and diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Macalester College. Most recently, she was an English as an additional language teacher in Australia and China. Prior to her teaching roles, Katie worked as a Communications Officer at the World Health Organization in Geneva, where she supported endemic countries in their fight against malaria. She has also worked at Global Minnesota, Harvard University, and for the office of Senator Paul Wellstone. Her international experience is extensive, having lived in seven countries across five continents.

Two of Katie’s favorite international experiences center around education – teaching second grade for a year in remote Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana, and watching her two children thrive at their international school in Shanghai, China.

Administrative Services Manager
Email: hall0550@umn.edu

Tyler earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies from the University of Minnesota. Before joining the Carlson Global Institute, he worked in nonprofit operations and finance at the Center for American Progress in Washington D.C., and at TakeAction Minnesota in Saint Paul, MN. 

Tyler's favorite international experience was in 2004 when he was selected as one of six international students to join the 46th global voyage of the Peace Boat, a Japanese non-governmental organization. Tyler traveled West from Tokyo to New York City stopping at 12 ports in between.

Program Manager, Education Abroad
Email: amhamel@umn.edu 
 

Alex earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business and her master’s degree in International Leadership, both from the University of St. Thomas. During her undergraduate career, she did a semester abroad in London and participated in a short-term study abroad course in Tanzania for her Master’s capstone. Most recently, Alex lived in Seoul, South Korea for the last 6 years preparing students to study at U.S. partner institutions.

One of Alex’s most memorable international experiences was getting lost on a mountain outside of Seoul, having to forge a trail down the mountain at sundown, and being rescued by a group of campers who were kind enough to feed her and her friends and drive them to the nearest bus stop!

Operations Coordinator, Program Support Lead
Email: patrickh@umn.edu

Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics from Taylor University and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Economics from George Washington University. Prior to joining the Carlson Global Institute, he worked at Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research, producing academic and policy research on retirement issues. He has also worked as an executive assistant at a national social justice nonprofit, and as a special educator in Massachusetts public schools. 

His favorite international memories are riding Jakarta’s new subway and bus rapid transit system all over the city, and exploring rural Peru via bus.

Program Manager, Education Abroad
Email: foste287@umn.edu

Kate participated in a gap year program between high school and college, living in Germany as an exchange student. This inspired her to pursue a bachelor's degree in German and Global Studies from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. During her time at Concordia, Kate participated in a semester exchange program in Zhuhai, China. Preceding her time at the Carlson Global Institute, Kate worked in the Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota. She also has experience working in local non-profits and smaller study abroad program providers.

Kate's most memorable experience abroad is being a bridesmaid in her friend's traditional Chinese wedding, a three-day event with over 1500 guests!

Program Manager, Education Abroad
Email: krebs203@umn.edu

Mary earned her BBA in International Business from Northwood University and an MA in International Relations from London Metropolitan University. From marketing and organizing international soccer camps for the Walt Disney Corporation to teaching International Relations and American Business Studies around the world, her professional and personal travels have taken Mary throughout Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, totaling 42 countries (living in 3). Mary is excited to combine her international business, relations, and education backgrounds to help facilitate short-term, faculty-led programs for CGI.

One of Mary's most memorable international experiences was camping through Africa on a 3-month overland tour.

Program Manager, Global Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Email: stephenl@umn.edu

Stephen earned his B.S degree in Computer Science from Shandong University and his M.S degree in Computer Engineering from China Agricultural University. He worked in Synnex Corporation for 7 years as a software engineer and led a team of 10 before his departure, after which he completed his MBA degree at the Carlson School of Management in 2017. Afterward, he worked in a few start-ups as founders and co-founders, all with the purpose of bridging the gaps between the US and China.

Stephen's favorite international experience was relaxing on the beaches of Maldives in the Indian Ocean; he is planning to do the same thing in Hawaii and the Caribbean. 

Director, Strategic Initiatives and Engagement / Global Business Practicum
Email: messe245@umn.edu

Bryan holds a bachelor's degree in English and Italian from the University of Kansas, an MA in English from Boston College, and an MA in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs from American University in Washington, DC. Before joining the Carlson Global Institute, he served as the director of international and cultural education at Gustavus Adolphus College and worked in the Office of Academic Exchange Programs at the U.S. Department of State. Bryan also taught Italian for several years at the University of Kansas, including leading students on summer programs to Florence twice. As an undergraduate student, he spent a semester abroad at a language institute in Florence.

Bryan's favorite international experiences include participating in a fell run in the English Lake District, getting lost in Normandy with his brother, helping deliver a weeklong Fulbright enrichment seminar in Amman for U.S. student grantees throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and meeting his wife's family in Italy for the first time.

Program Director, Education Abroad
Email: dopp@umn.edu

Deirdre has a bachelor's degree from the University of Saint Thomas, and her Master's degree from the University of Minnesota in Comparative & International Development Education (CIDE). She has been at the Carlson School since 2006 and has extensive experience working in higher education, faculty-led short-term programming, program management, and student advising. As an undergraduate, she studied abroad for a semester in Vienna, Austria, and on faculty-led short-term programs in England, Tanzania, and Egypt. She has a passion for intercultural education and student development. 

One of Deirdre's most memorable international experiences was hiking in the little slice of the Mata Atlantica (Atlantic rainforest) that remains along the coast of Brazil and ending that hike with a swim at a secluded beach.

Associate Dean, Global Initiatives

Email: paren010@umn.edu

Stephen T. Parente, Ph.D., MPH, MS is a Professor in the Department of Finance and the Minnesota Insurance Industry Chair of Health Finance in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and Associate Dean of the Carlson Global Institute. From 2014-2017, he served as Associate Dean of MBA and MS programs. Dr. Parente is the longest-serving Director of the Medical Industry Leadership Institute (2006-2017). As a Professor in the Finance Department, he specializes in health economics, information technology, and health insurance. Dr. Parente has been the principal investigator on large funded studies regarding consumer-directed health plans, health information technology, and health policy micro-simulation.

In Washington DC, he serves as Senior Economist on the Council of Economic Advisers in the Executive Office of the President at the White House. Previously, he was Senior Adviser to the Secretary for Health Economics in the Department of Health and Human Services and the Governing Chair of the Health Care Cost Institute from 2013 to 2017. He is the Founding Director of the Medical Valuation Laboratory, a nine-college interdisciplinary effort to accelerate medical innovation from scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs. Dr. Parente was a health policy advisor for the McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign and served as a Legislative Fellow in the office of Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D‑WV) in 1992/93. He has a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University.

Operations Coordinator, Front Desk & Finance Lead
Email: simmo037@umn.edu

Daniel is from Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota. While pursuing a tennis career, he then started his professional career in financial operations, working at the major brokerage firms in Minneapolis. His passion has always been in helping people and learning new skills. He has worked at The University of Minnesota, Capella University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College and the MN Public Schools most recently. He really enjoys music, biking, and anything sports related. 

His favorite international travel experience was in Jamaica. He had the opportunity to see a lot of the country. He enjoyed going hiking, the music and the sites were amazing.

Program Director, Education Abroad
Email: terry053@umn.edu

Kate graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with an individualized degree in Spanish, Psychology and Teaching English as a Second Language. Her first international experience was a semester spent studying in Toledo, Spain. She formed close relationships with each family member, especially a host sister and brother, and continues to keep in touch with them years later. After her semester abroad, Kate decided to pursue a career in international education. She completed the Comparative and International Development Education M.A. program through the College of Education and Human Development.

Kate's favorite international experience was living with a Spanish host family.

Program Manager, Scholarships, Strategic Initiatives and Engagement, Social Media and Marketing
Email: vang1294@umn.edu

Chuehue holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a topical minor in Hmong Studies from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Before joining Carlson Global Institute, he worked for Roseville Area High School as the College Readiness Navigator in Roseville, MN, and had the opportunity to be an Urban Teacher Resident in the Saint Paul Public School District and co-taught at Maxfield Elementary in 4th grade and Farnsworth Aerospace Lower in 2nd grade.

Chuehue's most memorable experience as a rising professional was interning for APIAVote (Asian American Pacific Islander Vote) in Washington D.C. 

Director of Global Executive Programs
Email: evanwitt@umn.edu

Evan’s professional background focuses on international higher education with a focus on leadership development. He has lived and worked abroad in Doha, Qatar, Auckland, New Zealand, and has sailed with Semester at Sea. Evan has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from James Madison University and a master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Maryland-College Park. He recently completed his Ph.D. in the Higher Education track of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. His dissertation research explored undergraduate students’ understanding of global leadership through short-term study abroad leadership courses.

Evan’s favorite international experience was leading a group of students representing six countries on a seven-day summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania as part of a leadership development program while working in Qatar.

Program Manager, Global Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Email: zhan9138@umn.edu

Qian brings a wealth of experience in international business, financial analysis, and project management as well as her cross-cultural perspectives in human development. She has a master's degree in Accounting, Organizations, and Institutions from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences in the U.K., a master's degree in Social Anthropology from Sun Yat-Sen University in China, and a bachelor's degree in Food Science and Engineering from Jinan University in China.

Her most memorable experience was one year of field research on a remote island in southern China where she lived with the locals to conduct research for her master's thesis in social anthropology. Her favorite international experience was the three years in London when she had the opportunity to explore Great Britain’s rich culture and history.