Timothy L. Born, PH.D.

Associate Professor, Associate Dean, Padnos College of Engineering and Computing

Office Address: 332 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
Phone: (616) 331-8643
Email: [email protected]

Tim is excited to be part of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing 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 joined the Chemistry faculty at George Mason University in 2000, after spending four years as a post-doc at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  In 2013 he moved back to Grand Rapids and joined GVSU. His research interests include the development of novel antibiotics and the effect of post-translational modifications on enzyme activity and function.  But he mostly enjoys working with students and setting them on a path to their degree.

Tim spends most of his spare time chasing (and picking up after) his three small children. He also tries his best to avoid yard work and has been known to go out for the occasional jog. He recently started biking and is looking forward to his first 100-mile ride. He’s a fan of the Washington Nationals and the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

Nick Woodward, M.Ed.

Director of Undergraduate Advising, PCEC Advising Center

Office Address: 101 Eberhard Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Nick is honored to be a part of the PCEC advising team. 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. During his graduate coursework, Nick worked in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Academic Advising Center and completed an internship with Grand Rapids Community College’s Honors 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 CLAS Advising Center in 2016. Academic advising is his professional calling and he’s thrilled to be able to support his fellow Lakers in the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing.

In his free time, you will often find Nick running, walking his dogs, Wally and Scout, and supporting the Detroit sports teams. He completed his first marathon and ultramarathon in 2022 and is looking forward to adding more in the future. Let him know if you have any suggestions for fun races to consider!

Elizabeth Brand, M.Ed.

Senior Academic Advisor, PCEC Advising Center

Office Address: 101 Eberhard Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Elizabeth is a proud Laker for a Lifetime! She graduated from Hope College with a B.A. in Communications and earned her Master’s degree from Grand Valley in College Student Affairs Leadership in 2015. During graduate school, Elizabeth worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Career Center and completed a graduate internship in the CLAS Advising Center. Elizabeth returned to GVSU after advising First Year Engineering students at Michigan State University. 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! 

In her pre-COVID spare time, you'd catch Elizabeth volunteering at an animal shelter and doing yoga. Right now she tries to make the most of the nice weather by getting outside whenever she can, having fun making memories with her husband and children, and cuddling with her two cats, Jax and Opie. Elizabeth enjoys trying new restaurants so let her know if you have any recommendations! She played Fantasy Football for the first time in 2022 and now has the title of PCEC Student Services Fantasy Football Champion! 

Mary Louise Nuznov, M.A.

Senior Academic Advisor, PCEC Advising Center

Office Address: B-3-241 Mackinac Hall 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Academic advising is one of Mary's passions and she enjoys working at her alma mater. She received her B.A. in Communication Studies from Grand Valley State University in 2009 and her M.A. in Communication Studies from Ball State University in 2011. In 2017 she completed a graduate certificate in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. She previously worked at Indiana University where she received a departmental distinguishment for her service in academic advising. Mary also taught public speaking and interpersonal communication courses at Ivy Tech Community College. She is proud to teach the R.I.S.E. Grant section of University Studies Career Education Course (US 102). Outside working at universities, Mary has worked at several museums including; The Henry Ford – Greenfield Village, Minnetrista and the Dearborn Historical Museum. Her projects often included fundraising, collections management, public speaking, museum blogging and conducting educational tours.

When she isn’t working she enjoys reading mystery novels, camping, writing, knitting and playing her dog, Skye. Mary is an avid Harry Potter fan and a proud Hufflepuff.

Colin DeKuiper, M.Ed.

Academic Advisor, PCEC Advising Center

Office Address: B-3-249 Mackinac Hall
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Colin is excited to join the PCEC Advising Center and support student success within the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing.  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 the School of Communication.  He also served as a Career Advisor at Columbia College Chicago and as a Technical Trainer at DePaul University.  Colin looks forward to supporting the academic experience for PCEC students.

In his spare time, Colin enjoys thumbing through stacks of new and used LPs and building out his record collection.  He will also take any opportunity he can to play golf and still actively performs and records music. Colin continues to crush the competition by winning all of the PCEC Student Services Golf selections. 

Rebecca Kolodge, M.Ed.

Academic Advisor, PCEC Advising Center

Office Address: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Rebecca is happy to return to Grand Valley and the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing! She first joined PCEC in 2009 as a Student Assistant for the PCEC Dean’s office and Student Services office while earning a B.S. in Allied Health Sciences. She also worked as an Academic Advising Graduate Assistant in PCEC from 2017-2019 while she earned an M.Ed. in Higher Education through GVSU’s College Student Affairs Leadership program. Rebecca’s higher education experience also includes working at Kettering University in the Computer Science department as an Administrative Specialist and completing graduate internships at Grand Rapids Community College in the Experiential Learning department and Aquinas College in the Center for Opportunity, Resources & Excellence. Most recently, Rebecca was an Academic Advisor at Purdue University (West Lafayette) for a learning community of First Year Engineering Students.

Rebecca loves all things Michigan and is happiest when she’s near Lake Michigan or Up North. She has two cats, Buttercup and Gatsby, but is also a big fan of dogs and animals in general. Rebecca also enjoys concerts, kayaking, and taking ghost tours with her sister when they travel together. She is the reigning champion for the 2023 PCEC Student Services Fantasy Football Champion! 

Audra Pretty-Smith, M.A.

Academic Advisor, PCEC Advising Center

Office Address: 101 Eberhard Center 
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Audra is thrilled to be working as an academic advisor with the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. Audra first joined the GVSU community in 2016 while working as a Counselor in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.  She received her B.A. in Social Work and Psychology from Hope College in 2013, and her M.A. in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University in 2015. She previously worked as an Assistant Residence Hall Director while at Ball State, and with the Academic Advising and Support Office at Elon University in North Carolina.  In her variety of roles, Audra has found a passion for advocating for her student’s success.

Outside of work, Audra enjoys traveling ‘up north’ as often as possible, yoga, spending time with her husband and family, watching a variety of sports, and all things Disney-related.

Ben Siebert, M.Ed.

Academic Advisor, PCEC Advising Center

Office Address: B-3-251 Mackinac Hall
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Ben is excited to be a part of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing’s advising team. 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, he later transferred to the University of Louisville and earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology with a focus on Microbiology and Immunology. He decided to go back to school to seek a new career in student support services, after working in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing fields for a few years. Ben is currently enrolled in GVSU as a master’s student in the Adult and Higher Education program.

When he isn’t working. Ben really enjoys going to city parks, spending study time at the public library, and playing board/tabletop games with his friends and family. He also likes science fiction and horror films and TV shows.

Shelby Harrison

Office Coordinator, PCEC Advising Center & Outreach

Office: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Shelby Harrison is happy to return to Padnos College Student Services as she worked as a Student Receptionist when she was in her undergraduate schooling here at GVSU. She previously served as the Secretary for the School of Computing here prior to this role. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in math education and elementary education. Her passion for higher education has grown over the years as she knows the impact she makes now will influence the other levels of education and the people she interacts with. Shelby's role is to help with the administrative side of advising and outreach for PCEC.

Shelby loves to cook, bake, garden, travel, drink coffee, and spend intentional time with her family and friends. Shelby is an avid college football fan as fall is her favorite season of the year. Her favorite place to vacation is Bois Blanc Island in Northern Michigan. 

Hannah Beatus

Advising Graduate Assistant, PCEC Advising Center & Outreach

Office: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Hannah joins the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing advising team with an eagerness to learn and excitement to connect with current and prospective GVSU students. She is a proud Laker for a Lifetime as she enters her 6th year as an All-American member of the GVSU softball team, a Lead Fellow for the Hauenstein Center's Cook Leadership Academy, as well as a 2021 graduate from the Seidman College of Business. Having grown a passion for students and the factors that influence their college experience, she knew GVSU’s College Student Affairs Leadership master’s program was the right fit for her and her career aspirations.  

She is a passionate person who lives by the motto "how you do anything is how you do everything". In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga and working out, spontaneous visits from her family, and exploring the Grand Rapids food scene. 

Garima Aggarwal

Advising Graduate Assistant, PCEC Advising Center & Outreach

Office: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025

I am thrilled to join the Padnos College Of Engineering and Computing advising team this year. My hometown is Punjab, India and I graduated in Bachelor of Commerce from SACCM and am now pursuing a Master's of Science in Accounting at GVSU. I am passionate about helping students and making their Laker experience memorable. I believe communication is the key to success. Apart from that I also started my own business in accessories for which I collaborated with Bollywood celebrities and social media influencers. 

My favorite quote is “Success is born out of faith, an undying passion, and a relentless drive”. My day begins with yoga and I also enjoy swimming, cooking, spending quality time with family and making new friends.

Elisa Guerrero

Student Communications Assistant, PCEC Advising Center & Outreach

Office: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Elisa is excited to join us for her second year with PCEC Student Services. She is from Adrian, Michigan. She is studying Criminal Justice and Legal Studies with her goal to be a Criminal Defense Lawyer. Elisa spends her day at work assisting with Communications for PCEC Student Services. She helps students stay connected and informed about events happening at or associated with GVSU. She spends her day managing and editing communication materials such as e-newsletters, webpages, and social media. Elisa also maintains our communication database and analyzes our future posts and newsletter.  

Elisa's fun fact is that she knows how to make a paper crane. 

Isabelle Perron

Student Outreach Assistant, PCEC Advising Center & Outreach

Office: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Isabelle is excited to join us in PCEC Student Services this year. Her main duties include supporting PCEC Outreach by prepping for events, staffing events, designing flyers, assisting with designing promotional items, and coordinating staffing for events with PCEC faculty and staff. Isabelle is from Brimley which is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She is a senior studying International Relations. 

Isabelle's fun fact is that she is a big Harry Potter fan! 

Ashtyn Jennings

Communication & Outreach Student Assistant, PCEC Advising Center & Outreach

Office: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Ashtyn is excited to be continuing in PCEC Student Services this year. Ashtyn is from Waterford, Michigan. She is a Biology major. Ashtyn is a PCEC Communication & Outreach Student Assistant. Her main duties are to create content and prepare the PCEC Advising Newsletter weekly along with prepping and working on a few PCEC Outreach events. Ashtyn assists with scheduling advising appointments, answering the phones, and dispersing mail to the advisors. She will be split between supporting outreach and advising offices during her duration in this office. 

Ashtyn's fun fact is that she loves all things Halloween and Fall.

Lauren Robar

Student Services Student Assistant, PCEC Advising Center & Outreach

Office: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Lauren is excited to join us in PCEC Student Services this year. Lauren is from Waterford, Michigan. She is a double major in Political Science and Public & Nonprofit Administration. Lauren is a PCEC Student Services Student Assistant. Lauren assists with scheduling advising appointments, answering the phones, and dispersing mail to the advisors. She will be split between supporting outreach and advising offices during her duration in this office. Lauren analyzes data and compiles reports on advising for the office. 

Lauren's fun facts are being the Assistant Director for CAB (Campus Activities Board), the Editor and Sargeant-At-Arms for Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, and she speaks German.