Meet the Team
Nick Woodward, M.Ed.
Director of Undergraduate Advising
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Email: [email protected]
Nick serves as the Director of the College of Computing Advising Center. He earned his BAA in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Central Michigan University and his M.Ed from GVSU’s College Student Affairs Leadership program. He worked for two-plus years at Purdue University as a Student Success Coach for the Purdue Promise Scholarship program, before returning to the GVSU in 2016, advising in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Advising Center. He joined the Computing Advising team in 2022.
In his free time, you will often find Nick running, spending time with his wife and pets, or at a local music venue. He has run several marathons and ultramarathons and is always on the lookout for his next race. Let him know if you have any suggestions for fun races to consider!
Elizabeth Brand, M.Ed.
Senior Academic Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: [email protected]
Elizabeth is a proud Laker for a Lifetime! She has been advising computing students at GVSU in the previous Padnos College of Engineering and Computing since 2016 and is excited for all of the opportunities that the new College of Computing with bring for students! Elizabeth graduated from Hope College with a B.A. in Communications and earned her Master’s degree from Grand Valley in College Student Affairs Leadership. She is passionate about student success and wants to be a resource for students to help them be successful both inside and outside of the classroom. She loves helping students navigate the ins and outs of college and also loves learning from them!
When she isn't working, you'll find her making memories with her husband and children, cuddling with her two cats, Jax and Opie, and reading a good book. Elizabeth enjoys trying new restaurants so let her know if you have any good recommendations!
Colin DeKuiper, M.Ed.
Senior Academic Advisor
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Email: [email protected]
Colin received his B.A. in Communication from DePaul University and worked extensively as a touring and recording musician before returning to DePaul University where he earned his Master’s degree in Counseling (College Counseling and Student Affairs). He has previously worked as an Assistant Director with Northwestern University’s Office of External Programs, Internships, & Career Services within Northwestern University’s School of Communication. He also served as a Career Advisor at Columbia College Chicago and has taught career and internship focused courses at DePaul University, Northwestern University, and Columbia College in Chicago. In 2024, Colin was awarded “Outstanding Academic Advisor” by GVSU.
In his spare time, Colin enjoys adding new additions to his record collection, playing golf, and playing in a few different music projects in West Michigan and Chicago.
Rebecca Kolodge, M.Ed.
Academic Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: [email protected]
Rebecca is excited to advise students in the new College of Computing! Rebecca has advised computing majors at GVSU since 2021 and previously as an Advising Graduate Assistant from 2017-2019. She earned both a B.S. in Allied Health Science and an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Grand Valley. Rebecca’s higher education experience also includes working at Kettering University and Purdue University, as well as internships at Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College.
Outside of work you can often find Rebecca walking her cat, Joey, or updating his Instagram page. She also enjoys living near Lake Michigan, attending concerts, and anything fall or Taylor Swift related.
Emily Graveling (Zeliasko), M.Ed.
Academic Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: [email protected]
Emily graduated from GVSU in 2020 with a B.S. in biology and earned her Master's degree in College Student Affairs Leadership from GVSU in 2023. She has been advising computing students since July 2023! Emily was previously a Graduate Assistant in the Frederik Meijer Honors College from 2021-2023. Emily is passionate about getting to know students and connecting them to resources to support their success during and beyond their careers at GVSU!
In her free time, Emily enjoys spending as much time on the water as possible with family and friends. This includes watching the sunset, paddle-boarding, and learning to ride stand-up jet skis! Emily also enjoys traveling and exploring new places within and outside Michigan and is always looking for recommendations!
Damian Martinez
Office Coordinator
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Email: [email protected]
Damian graduated from GVSU in 2020 with a B.A. in Political Science. He worked with University Libraries at GVSU for 4 years as the User Experience Specialist where he helped students navigate library resources, developed a robust team of student employees, and led the improvement of library services through a lens of equity and inclusivity. Damian joined the Computing Advising Center in November 2024 and is looking forward to building relationships with students and supporting them throughout their academic journeys.
Outside of work, you can find Damian playing volleyball, enjoying a board/video game, watching a Studio Ghibli film, spoiling his cat (Pepper), and traveling to new countries!
Student Employees
Poojitha (Pooja) Poduguru
Advising Student Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Pooja is a senior in the combined B.S./M.S. program in Computer Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence. She’s really interested in how AI can be used to solve real-world problems and connect business and technology. She enjoys learning new things and figuring out how to apply them in practical ways, especially when it comes to creating solutions that actually help people.
Outside of academics, she enjoys music, nature, sketching, reading, and long drives, and appreciates having time to step away and come back with a fresh perspective.
Emily Mwangi
Advising Student Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science with a concentration in Information Security and Forensics, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Grand Valley State University. My academic and professional interests center on cybersecurity, digital forensics, and the protection of information systems. I am dedicated to advancing secure digital practices and contributing to the development of resilient technological environments. Beyond the screen, I love spending time outdoors and appreciating nature. It’s where I recharge and find balance.