Staff Spotlight: Joe Tran
Senior Academic & Transition Advisor, Advising and Academic Services Office
With Alaina’s family at their wedding (L to R): Ryan, Mandi, Shaun, Joe, Alaina, parents Mary Pat, and Chris
Joe with his wife Alaina
When did you start at UC Blue Ash and what are your current responsibilities?
I joined UCBA as a Senior Academic & Transition Advisor in January 2026. My role is unique in that I work for two advising teams – here at UCBA, and the Transition Advising Center in Clifton. The Blue Ash half of my job is advising students in Pre-Criminal Justice, Pre-Neuroscience, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence. The Transition half of my work supports the UCBA to Clifton student pipeline with various programming and outreach initiatives for current and incoming students. Before this, I spent the last four years as an advisor in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) in Clifton.
On a personal level, I am also a proud UC alum! I was a Student Orientation Leader, Student Orientation Coordinator, and Student Ambassador here at UCBA. I studied in the Pre-Psychology program before transitioning to Clifton and earned my BA in 2017.
What is your favorite thing about working or teaching at UC Blue Ash?
Hands down, UC Blue Ash is all about the people! There are so many faculty and staff still here from when I was a student, and I think that speaks highly of the culture. Everyone is all in on supporting our students and you can easily tell it is genuine. That was one of the major factors that drew me back professionally.
Joe and Alaina meeting retired NASA astronaut Guy Gardner at the Kennedy Space Center.
Is there a current/recent book or podcast you’re enjoying?
I love all things space exploration, so I listen to "NASA's Curious Universe", which is an official NASA podcast. They share updates on new/upcoming missions, new scientific discoveries, and technological advances. I also follow “Tasting History with Max Miller” on YouTube which combines old food recipes with the historical period it originates from.
What kind of hobbies or activities do you pursue outside of work?
My wife and I volunteer at our church, and we also walk dogs together for Cincinnati Animal Care once month when we're able. Outside of that I love playing new boardgames (even though I lose often), trying new restaurants around town, exploring Cincinnati's many metro parks, gaming on my Nintendo Switch, and spending time with friends and family.
Is there a fun or interesting fact you would like to share about yourself?
Two fun facts: I used to paint murals! In the summer of 2011 and 2012, I was an apprentice artist with Artworks Cincinnati. Even though I haven’t seriously picked up a paintbrush in years, I’m proud of contributing to public art in a highly visible way.
My second fun fact is that my wife Alaina also works at UC! She is an Assistant Director for the Learning Commons down in Clifton. It's always fun figuring out who has collaborated with both of us! I get asked a lot if we met as colleagues here, but we met in our master’s program at Ohio State.
With Joe’s family at his brother’s ordination (L to R): John, Carrie, Roger, Trinh, Ruyen, David, Huong, Anthony, Alaina, and Joe.
Resources
Contact Information
Admissions Office
Phone: 513-556-1100
Email: admissions@uc.edu