Diane Saran

Assistant Director

disaran@umich.edu

As the Assistant Director, Diane Saran overseas the daily operations of the IPE office. Diane collaborates with the Director and Advisors on the development of new initiatives to enhance international programs that connect to issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Diane earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Comparative Education at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) while working as an International Student Advisor at UB. Her research focused on how international students’ national and gender identity changed after a long-term study abroad experience. Diane obtained her B.A. in Mass Communications at St. Bonaventure University.

Before joining the IPE team, Diane was the Assistant Director of Engineering International Programs at the University of Pittsburgh. Diane has always enjoyed worked with engineering students creating programs that enhance global awareness and that focus on the UN Sustainability goals. Prior to her work in education abroad, Diane was the Sr. Immigration Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh advising international students, scholars, and employees on immigration related matters and helping them to adjust to life in the United States.

Diane’s first international experience, beyond personal travel, was as a Peace Corps volunteer in Romania. She was an environmental educator working with students in schools to help organize activity programs with the focus on ecological awareness.

Diane strives help all students gain global awareness and personal growth and is so excited to be a part of the IPE team.