About
International Services Office
The mission of the International Services Office (ISO) is to provide comprehensive, professional and individualized immigration and support services in a welcoming environment designed to actively promote international exchange and further the research and training goals of Scripps Research.
ISO staff can support you in many ways, including personal, social and cultural matters; immigration expertise; travel questions; employment questions; health insurance and medical issues; support for dependents; and resources to support you on campus and in the community. Please feel free to contact us any time, using the contact information provided on this website.
Margaret Hellwarth, Director, International Services Office (CA & FL)
Margaret Hellwarth oversees international student and scholar services at Scripps Research’s campuses in La Jolla, California, and Jupiter, Florida. She provides backup advising for non-immigrant categories and serves as a resource for labs and international scholars on complex immigration issues, the O-1 visa and gaining permanent residence. Margaret has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on International Affairs and Public Policy from Georgetown University. She joined Scripps Research in June 2015 after holding similar positions at several universities, including UC Davis, UC Berkeley and Georgetown University. She speaks Spanish and beginner Catalan.
Karin Edman, International Services Assistant (CA)
Karin Edman has been with Scripps Research since September 2015, when she joined the team as the international services assistant. Karin grew up in Sweden, earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lund, worked in Sweden as a documentation/web content consultant, and worked for six months in Auckland, New Zealand. She came to the United States with her family in 2001 and began working within data security as a web researcher and in the biotech industry as an administrative assistant/patent administrator. Professionally, Karin is interested in supporting development within biotech and medical research, international relations and cultural exchange.
Dalia Alshamas, International Student and Scholar Advisor (CA)
Dalia Alshamas joined the International Services Office in June 2024. As an International Student and Scholar Advisor, her primary role involves offering on-site immigration guidance, general support, and providing resources for international students and scholars. Born and raised in San Diego, Dalia has traveled extensively across the United States and various countries worldwide. With a career background in education, Dalia has also worked at a community college, a nonprofit public university and a private university. Dalia previously worked as an International Scholar Advisor at UC San Diego for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Human Behavior. Dalia's heritage includes Iraqi and German descent, and she is fluent in Arabic. Passionate about engaging with international communities, Dalia finds fulfillment in connecting with people and learning about diverse cultures from around the world.
Sonal Kalra, International Student and Scholar Advisor (CA)
Sonal Kalra is originally from India but has called San Diego home since she arrived on Christmas Day, 1999. Having transitioned to a new life in the United States herself, she understands the challenges faced by international students and scholars coming to the U.S. for the first time. Sonal completed a certificate in Human Resources from the University of California, San Diego and also holds a master’s degree in Textiles from the Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey University in India. She found her way into the field of international education when she was given the responsibility of issuing visa documents for international students in 2001 at her previous employer, San Diego University for Integrative Studies. She is grateful to have the opportunity to work with both international students and scholars. She wants to assist them in any way she can so they can make the most out of their experience in the United States and become the scientists they aspire to be.
Morayma James, International Student and Scholar Advisor (FL)
Morayma James serves as the International Student and Scholar Advisor in Jupiter, FL. Her primary role is to provide on-site immigration advice, general support, resources and activities for international students in Florida. In this role, she works closely with the Graduate Program team to develop cultural programs, events and activities to enhance the overall student experience. Morayma is originally from Puerto Rico but grew up in the US Virgin Islands where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Computer Information Systems. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Lynn University. She has worked in the field of International Education since 2014 and really enjoys helping students throughout their journey from the moment of admission to assisting with the visa process, transition to life in the US and finally seeing students get their degrees and start their careers.
Contact Information & Directions (CA)
3301 North Torrey Pines Court
(street level)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Mailing Address
Scripps Research
International Services Office, TPC-18
10550 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
If you call the main office number during business hours:
- A staff member will assist you directly or transfer you to an advisor, if needed.
- Voicemail is available if no staff member is able to answer. Please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Phone: (858) 784-8120
Fax: (858) 784-8123
tsriglobal@scripps.edu
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT
Contact Information & Directions (FL)
130 Scripps Way, Suite B365
Jupiter, FL 33458
Mailing Address
International Services Office, Scripps Research
The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute
130 Scripps Way #3B2
Jupiter, FL 33458
Phone: (561) 228-2362
tsriglobal@scripps.edu