The International Center is pleased to welcome three new staff members: Samantha Welsh, Jeremiah Metzen and Xiaoyu Guo.

Samantha Welsh joined the International Center as a front desk assistant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi with an emphasis in public relations. She has spent a summer in France, spending half her time in Paris and the other half with a family in Saumur. She enjoys traveling and has visited Jamaica and Mexico. She looks forward to expanding her love for learning and culture while working for the International Center.

Jeremiah Metzen returned to the International Center as a programmer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Missouri in 2008, and began working at the International Center part time. Since then, he has served both the center and campus web development efforts in various capacities. He is currently enjoying the international experience and doing full-time web development work for the International Center.

Xiaoyu Guo is serving the International Center as strategic analyst/research specialist. Xiaoyu earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of Missouri in 2012 and 2016, respectively. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and English study from Tianjin Polytechnic University in 2009. Throughout his studies at MU, he served as co-founder and chair of the MU Chinese Student and Scholar Association for six years, and provided key leadership to MU International Programs and the China Consulate of Chicago. In 2015, Xiaoyu was honored with MU’s International Engagement Award for Outstanding Student Contribution, and the Missouri Honor for Outstanding Doctoral Student by the MU College of Engineering in 2016. At the International Center, Xiaoyu focuses on strategic analysis and liaison assistance with key stakeholders on- and off-campus in support of MU’s international development.