Tim Born, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Padnos College of Engineering
Pronouns: He/Him/Hims
Office Address: 136 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
Phone: (616) 331-8643
Email: [email protected]

Tim is excited to be part of the Padnos College of Engineering advising team. He received his BS in Biochemistry from Calvin College in 1990 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School in 1996.  He spent four years as a post-doc at Albert Einstein College of Medicine before joining the Chemistry faculty at George Mason University in 2000. In 2013 he moved back to Grand Rapids and joined GVSU. His research interests included the development of novel antibiotics and the effect of post-translational modifications on enzyme activity and function. 

Tim's oldest child rides and jumps horses while his two younger children both play hockey.  Hence, Tim spends most of his spare time in horse barns and hockey rinks (ironically, also called barns). All three of his children think he is the least annoying father in the world. He is adept at avoiding yard work and has been known to go out for the occasional bike ride. A passionate baseball fan, he closely follows the Washington Nationals and and is also a fan of the NHL's Washington Capitals.

Audra Pretty-Smith, M.A.

Director, PCE Advising Center

Office Address: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Audra Pretty-Smith is the Director of Undergraduate Advising & Student Services for the Padnos College of Engineering. Audra holds an M.A. in Student Affairs Administration from Ball State University and a B.A. in Social Work from Hope College. As the daughter of a former university president and a business professor, Audra ‘grew up’ on a college campus and loves working in the ‘family business’ of higher education. Her professional experience spans over a decade and includes work with academic advising, first-year experience, financial aid, and residence life. 

In her personal life, Audra is an avid reader. She averages 80 books a year, is involved in several book clubs, and volunteers at her local library. She is also a proud dog mom to Winnie, her 6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, who often gets mistaken for the main character from the children's show "Bluey".

Ben Siebert, M.Ed.

Academic Advisor, PCE Advising Center

Pronouns: He/Him/his

Office Address: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Ben has been working with Engineering students at GVSU since December 2021. He is originally from New Albany, IN but just tells everyone he is from Louisville, KY because no one really knows where New Albany is located. After attending Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, he later transferred to the University of Louisville and received his bachelor’s degree in biology with a focus on microbiology and immunology. After working in biotech research and operations and pharmaceutical manufacturing, he decided to attend GVSU to earn a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in adult and higher education.      

When he isn’t working, Ben really enjoys going to city parks/events, visiting the local public library, and playing board/tabletop games with his friends and family. He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, and horror media. 

Andrea Johnson, M.Ed.

Academic Advisor, PCE Advising Center

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Office Address: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: johnsaj2@gvsu.edu

Andrea Johnson has worked in the Padnos College of Engineering Advising Center at GVSU since October 2024. Andrea is a dual Laker for a Lifetime, receiving both her Bachelor’s degree in 2018 and her Master’s in Education in 2021 from Grand Valley State University. In her previous roles, Andrea has worked in the Admissions Office, CLAS Academic Advising Office, and Housing Office at GVSU.

Andrea was born and raised in West Michigan and currently resides in Grand Rapids with her husband and son. When not at work, Andrea finds joy in watching movies, running 5Ks, exploring the city’s coffee and food scene, and spending time outdoors.

Shelby Barlow, M.A.

Academic Advisor, PCE Advising Center

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Office Address: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: barlowsh@gvsu.edu

Shelby joined the Padnos College of Engineering Advising Team in November 2024. Shelby holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Central Michigan University and Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. Her pivot from the museum field began in 2019 when she joined GVSU Libraries where she spent the last 5 years helping GVSU students navigate library and campus resources and services while also providing Library Student Employees with experiential learning opportunities through campus employment.

Outside of work, Shelby enjoys participating in neighborhood and city events/festivals, reading (non-fiction, fantasy, and horror in particular), trivia nights with friends, taking community art classes, visiting obscure museums, and watching cozy movies and sitcoms with her two cats, Jet & Frannie.

Jason Vandenberghe

Graduate Assistant, PCE Advising Center

Pronouns: He/Him/his 

Office Address: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: s_vandenjw@gvsu.edu

Jason is the new Graduate Assistant in the PCE Advising Office. After starting his undergrad at Grand Valley, he transferred to Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. He spent the last 9 years living and working in the Ann Arbor area and is thrilled to start a new journey back in West Michigan. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education for College Student Affairs Leadership here at Grand Valley.

Outside of the office Jason loves to watch the Detroit Tigers, ride his bike around town, and go to concerts and shows. He also loves trying bars and restaurants around town and is always looking for recommendations!

Erin Woirol

Office Coordinator, PCE Advising Center

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Office Address: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Erin is very excited to be working in the PCE Advising Center at GVSU. She received her B.A. in Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts from Central Michigan University in 2015. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles to work in unscripted television. In LA, she climbed the ranks eventually becoming a Producer on Primetime Games shows including “The Wall” on NBC and “Spin the Wheel” on FOX. Additionally, she was a Development Producer and collaborated on new show ideas to pitch to networks. After 8 years in the Reality TV industry, she chose to move back to West Michigan and start her next career and she’s thrilled to be starting it at GVSU. 

Outside of work, Erin loves watching all tv shows from dramas to reality tv, baking, playing with her cat and dog, puzzles, hanging out with friends and family, and spending as much time possible with her niece.  

Jyothsna Allu

Student Services Student Assistant, PCE Advising Center & Outreach

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers (what's this?)

Office: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Jyothsna Allu works as a student assistant in the PCE Advising Office. She earned her Bachelor's in Dental Surgery in India and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Health Informatics at Grand Valley State University. In addition to her academic journey, she worked at Kriti NGO, where she led various community initiatives and projects. Her passion for combining healthcare and technology drives her studies.

Outside of her professional journey, Jyothsna enjoys watching movies, trying out new recipes, exploring different cuisines, spending time with friends, and reading novels.

Diana Castaneda

Student Services Student Assistant, PCE Advising Center & Outreach

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers (what's this?)

Office: 212 Innovation Design Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Diana Castaneda works as a student assistant in the PCE Advising Office. She is currently an undergraduate student double majoring in Accounting and Economics. She was born in Mexico and grew up in Dallas, Texas. In her spare time, she likes to travel, read books, and try new foods.