Meet Our Team

The Law School's Graduate and International Programs team focuses on ensuring that International LL.M. and S.J.D. students become a vital part of the law school community—enriching the program with their diversity of experience. Penn State Law's integration with the School of International affairs offers students two faculties with unmatched depth in international law and policy.

Graduate and International Programs Staff:

Stephen G. Barnes
Assistant Dean of Graduate and International Programs
Email: sgb14@psu.edu
Steve oversees LL.M. ,S.J.D., and Pre-LL.M. admissions, international student services, certificate programs, student exchanges, and the visiting scholar program at Penn State Law. Before his appointment, Steve lived for 8 years in China where he is an honorary law professor at the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing and also a visiting professor at other Chinese law schools. Steve is proficient in French, Chinese, and Swedish, and is energized by the rich diversity talented international students bring to Penn State Law. On Steve's "perfect day" you'll see him on his stand-up paddleboard on an ocean or nearby lake; and, making "s'mores" over a campfire with family and students. Education: J.D., University of Oregon; M.B.A., The George Washington University; B.A., Brigham Young University.

Jing Hu
Program Director and Director of Student Services
Email: jxh574@psu.edu
In addition to admissions—with a particular focus on applicants from China and exchange students—Jing also directs student services for all international LL.M., S.J.D., and exchange students. Jing manages the visiting scholar program and the 30+ and growing international agreements. Prior to joining Penn State she worked for a patent and trademark law office in China. From 2002 to 2006, Jing was a patent examiner of State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China (also known as the Chinese Patent Office). On Jing's "perfect day" you'll see her enjoying her son's piano recital or her daughter's figure skating ice show. Education: LL.M., Penn State Law; B.E. and M.E., Tianjin University of China.

Brenda Johnson
Director for Graduate and International Programs Admission
Email: blj10@psu.edu
Brenda is the first point of contact for all LL.M. and S.J.D. admissions activities at Penn State Law. Brenda processes all applications, reviews student files, and prepares the application materials for committee review. Brenda also works closely with DISSA throughout the immigration process. Brenda enjoys the personal contact she has with incoming students and is always eager to assist with admission matters. Prior to joining Penn State Law, Brenda was employed for 18 years at the Clinton County District Attorney’s office, where for several years she managed the office. On Brenda’s “perfect day,” you will find her on one of the local walking trails enjoying the scenery, wildlife, and sunset views; or, enjoying time with her family. Education: Certified Paralegal, Blackstone School of Law.

Isa Ferrera
Latin America Programs Director
Email: mif4@psu.edu
Isa oversees LL.M. admissions for students from Latin America and also coordinates certificate programs and other collaborations with law schools, bar associations, and educational institutions in Latin America. Isa has rich professional experience as a public defender in her home country of Honduras. In addition to working with law firms and handling pro bono cases, she has been working with The American Law Institute as a researcher. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she has considerable experience in arbitration in association with Arbitrator Intelligence as its Spanish Outreach Coordinator. She is highly passionate about helping people in need, particularly in areas of immigration, domestic abuse, and environmental laws. Isa has been at the forefront of activities at Penn State Law's Center for Immigrant Rights. She enjoys cultural exchanges with students from across the globe, exploring their food, music, and dance while giving a glimpse of her homeland as well. Education: M.I.A. candidate, Penn State School of International Affairs; LL.M., Penn State Law; J.D., Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras en el valle de Sula.

Kristin Hrehor
Academic Adviser and Director of Africa Programs
Email: kah6508@psu.edu
Kristin handles the academic advising for incoming LL.M. students, oversees the development and expansion of recruitment initiatives in Africa, and also provides additional support for student services. Kristin, who is originally from Canada, has extensive experience in higher education in a global context, having been an international student herself, and having spent over 8 years teaching in Seoul, South Korea. Prior to shifting to the administrative side of higher education, Kristin taught courses in academic writing, film interpretation, philosophy, and communications at both the graduate and undergraduate levels at a number of universities over the years, including Seoul National University, Ewha Women’s University, Kangwon National University, Temple University, and the University of Regina. On Kristin’s “perfect day,” you’ll find her watching a movie, reading voraciously, or planning her next trip. Education: Ph.D., Temple University; M.A., Queen’s University; B.A. (Hon.), University of Regina. 

Gulmira Kunebayeva
Director of Mongolia, Russia, and Central Asia Programs
Email: gdk5108@psu.edu
Prior to joining Penn State Law, Gulmira graduated from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan she worked for the Kazakhstan branch of the biggest medical devices manufacturer - Medtronic Inc. Her academic interests are focused on health law. On her “perfect day,” you will find her hiking, cooking desserts or watching movies. Education: B.A., Law, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Master of Law, or Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. 

Tselmeg Enkhtur
Director of Central Asia Programs and Student Services Coordinator 
Email: tbe5106@psu.edu
Tselmeg graduated from School of law, National University of Mongolia, one of the leading law schools in the country and worked in a corporate law firm for 2 years prior to joining Penn State Law. He was mainly involved in drafting commercial contracts, legal opinions and due diligence reports. He is a member of the Mongolian Bar Association. His field of interests are energy law, commercial law and construction law. One of the main reasons for him to study and work in Penn State Law was that it offers opportunity for him to grow as a person by learning from students all around the world from various backgrounds.

Selin Onur
Director of Turkey Programs and Student Services Coordinator 
Email: sko5210@psu.edu
Selin manages LL.M. admissions from Turkey and coordinates collaborations with law schools and educational institutions in Turkey, besides providing student services for international students. She is an attorney admitted to the Istanbul Bar Association. She obtained her LL.M. degree from Penn State Law, concentrating on corporate law and international commercial arbitration. On Selin's "perfect day," you will find her traveling to visit an art museum and watch a sunset, enjoying a cup of coffee after having Mediterranean food with family and friends, or calming down and reading after a yoga class. Education: LL.M., Penn State Law; LL.B., Marmara University Faculty of Law.al University.