As a senior program officer for the J Visa Exchange Visitor Program, Louisa manages daily logistics of IREX’s J visa sponsorship services for Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars. This program enables foreign nationals to come to the US to engage in collaborative cross-cultural research projects at nonprofit, corporate, and academic research sites across the country.

Louisa guides host organizations, immigration attorneys, and foreign exchange visitors throughout the application and visa processes; provides ongoing support and immigration advising during the research period; manages immigration compliance; and contributes to program marketing.

Formative periods of living, studying, and working in Italy, France, the UK, and Japan sparked Louisa's love of travel and drew her to a profession of engaging with and supporting people from other countries. She managed exchange and study abroad programs for four years at International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) and then earned her master's degree at Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland, while working in the university's international services office.

Prior to joining IREX, Louisa served as an immigration advisor for nearly five years at the International Student and Scholar Services office of University of Maryland, College Park. She has expertise in J-1, F-1, and H-1B visa regulations.

Louisa holds an MS degree in international marketing from Edinburgh Napier University, with a focus on customer service for a global clientele. She holds a BA degree in American studies from the College of William and Mary.