
Ryan Aldridge
Operations Manager, Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center
- Office: 158 Innovation Design Center
- Phone: (616) 331-6766
- Email: [email protected]

Rafael Juarez-Yuen
Administrative Assistant
- Pronouns: He/HIm/His(what's this?)
- Office: 332 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
- Phone: (616) 331-6141
- Email: [email protected]
Kyra VanOost
Office Assistant
- Pronouns: She/Her/Hers (what's this?)
- Office: 332 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
- Phone: (616) 331-6260
- Email: [email protected]

Ben Robar
Academic Department Coordinator
- Pronouns: He/HIm/His(what's this?)
- Office: 332 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
- Phone: (616) 331-6261
- Email: [email protected]
I grew up in Waterford, MI in Oakland County. I studied at Grand Valley from 2018 until I graduated in 2022. I studied Political Science with a Minor in Human Rights, and I hope to start my Master’s in Public Administration soon here at Grand Valley. Prior to coming back to GVSU, I spent two and a half years at the State of Michigan, assisting people with public assistance benefits (think Food Stamps and Medicaid).
Since graduation, I have volunteered with the GVSU Esports club as a caster and broadcast personality, showcasing the talent of our premiere VALORANT players, and launching the LakerLAN Podcast here at Grand Valley. I have also volunteered for the GVSU Laker Marching Band, in an attempt to give back to the group I spent 4 years in. I am also a board member of the Allendale Jazz Orchestra, a community jazz band that plays all over West MI! I am a musician and have been playing Trombone for over 10 years. I also speak German, though at this point I am a bit rusty.
I recently moved from Allendale to Grand Rapids, and I am so excited to explore the city even more than I have in the 7 years since I first moved to West MI. I live with my fiancée, Jordan, and our rescue-chihuahua, Joaquin Taco.
I am very excited to give back to the Grand Valley community through my role at the Padnos College of Engineering, and I can’t wait to get to know our students.
Thank you, Go Lakers!

Ethan Tanis
Co-op Coordinator
- Office: 223 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
- Phone: (616)-331-6021
- Email: [email protected]