About
Welcome!

It gives us great pleasure to welcome all of our incoming graduate and professional students to the University of Houston. You are now part of an exceptionally promising and diverse group of scholars.

Join us on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9:00 am for the graduate orientation webinar hosted by the Graduate School. Please note, this orientation is for all newly admitted graduate and professional students, but it is separate from any college/department/program orientation.

Register to confirm your attendance by Friday, January 9th.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the University of Houston campus.
When
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 · 9:00 a.m. Central Time (US & Canada) (GMT -6:00)
Agenda
  • Opening Session / Orientation Overview
  • Academic & Administrative Information
Presenters
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Graduate School
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Dr. Sarah Larsen
Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Dr. Sarah Larsen is vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at the University of Houston, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping graduate education and fostering academic excellence. Dr. Larsen holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and has built a distinguished career as a researcher, educator, and academic leader. Prior to joining UH, she served in various leadership roles at the University of Iowa, where she worked to advance graduate education and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.

Under her leadership, UH’s Graduate School has focused on providing students with the resources they need to excel both academically and professionally, ensuring that they are prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and beyond. Dr. Larsen has previously served as Chair for the Association of Texas Graduate Schools and she currently is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools Advancement Advisory Committee. Dr. Larsen is a member of the Board of Trustees for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Larsen also serves as a professor in UH’s Department of Chemistry. She is a fellow of the American Chemical Society, of the Royal Society of Chemistry and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Previously, she served as Senior Editor for the Journal of Physical Chemistry.

Her commitment to student success, faculty mentorship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration has helped elevate the University of Houston’s standing as a premier destination for graduate students.
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Dr. Tashemia Jones
Assistant Director, Academic Affairs
Dr. Tashemia Jones is currently the Assistant Director of Academic Affairs in the Graduate School. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 2018 earning a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Jones has over 17 years of higher education experience including student activities, student conduct, underrepresented students, and first-time in college students to name a few. Her passion has always been student success and creating innovate ways to enhance the overall collegiate experience for all students. She continues to gain knowledge in post-secondary education with the hopes of becoming a college dean and Vice President of Student Affairs in the future.
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Mariel Rocha-Narvaez
Director of Finance and Operations, Grad School
Mariel Rocha-Narvaez joined the University of Houston in 2018 as a student worker. Over the years, she advanced into the role of Program Manager and is now the Director of Finance and Operations for the Graduate School. In this position, she oversees administrative operations, budget management, and internal processes that support graduate student success. Mariel is committed to improving efficiency and service across the Graduate School and the broader UH community.
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Fitzgerald Smith
Associate Director of Graduate School Admissions
Fitzgerald Smith serves as Associate Director for Graduate Admissions, a role which allows him to facilitate the application process to many of our renowned graduate programs and oversees many of the administrative processes related to admissions. He joined the University of Houston Graduate School in 2015 out of a passion for fostering personal growth and development through higher education. Fitzgerald is also experienced in the realm of international education and loves working with students from various cultural backgrounds. He also serves as a main point of contact for all admissions related questions for both students and colleges.
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Lorena Martinez
Sr. SEVIS Compliance Coordinator
Lorena Martínez is a seasoned education professional with a strong background in her home country’s academic system. She joined the University of Houston in 2021 as a Transcript Analyst, evaluating international GPAs against U.S. academic standards. Her expertise and commitment led to her promotion as SEVIS Compliance Coordinator, where she managed the issuance of Form I-20s, enabling international graduate students to apply for F-1 visas.
Currently serving as Senior SEVIS Compliance Coordinator in Graduate Admissions, Lorena advises international students on immigration requirements and the I-20 process. She holds a Bachelor's in Law and a Master’s in Public Administration, reinforcing her deep knowledge of educational and immigration regulations.
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Akash Bhatt
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