J-1 Scholars Panel Provides Guidance and Community at UF/IFAS

Current J-1 exchange visitors at the University of Florida gathered for an interactive panel designed to offer clarity and connection as they navigate their academic and professional paths in the United States. Organized by Luis Johnson, Director of Exchange Visitor Services (EVS) at the UF International Center, in partnership with Kati Migliaccio, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)/IFAS, the session brought together faculty and staff who once held J-1 scholar status and now serve in academic and professional roles at UF.

Participating as panelists were Jeongim Kim, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Horticultural Sciences (CALS/IFAS); Can Baysal, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Horticultural Sciences; Marcelo Wallau, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Agronomy; and Aghane Agnes Antunes, Ph.D., Coordinator in the Office for Global Research Engagement. Each brought firsthand insight from their own professional journeys, including experiences navigating the J-1 process and transitioning into faculty and leadership roles at UF.

The discussion followed an open Q&A format, giving scholars the opportunity to ask questions about career pathways, institutional resources, research collaborations, and long-term professional development. Panelists shared firsthand perspectives on transitioning from exchange visitors to established faculty and staff.

Promoted by UF/IFAS as part of its quarterly engagement with J-1 scholars, the meeting aims to provide timely visa updates while fostering a supportive academic community. Beyond regulatory guidance, the session offered something equally valuable: perspective. Hearing directly from those who have successfully navigated similar transitions provided reassurance that the J-1 experience can serve as a meaningful foundation for lasting academic and professional impact.

Through these gatherings, UF/IFAS and UFIC/EVS continue to demonstrate its commitment to supporting international scholars, not only through compliance guidance, but by strengthening community and long-term global engagement.