I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, earning my BS in Biochemistry from Calvin College and my PhD in Biochemistry from the Mayo Clinic.  I came to Grand Valley in 2013 as the PSM Programs Coordinator after spending six years in New York City (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) and thirteen years in Washington, DC (George Mason University) doing research and teaching. I moved into the role of Associate Dean of PCEC in 2018 and am now serving as the Interim Dean of the Padnos College of Engineering. 

My wife and I have three children, ages 16, 14, and 10 (as of July 1, 2024).  Much to my bewilderment their main hobbies are horse jumping and hockey, which means we own a horse and have a garage full of stinky hockey gear. Much of my spare time is spent in horse stables and hockey rinks. I enjoy watching most sports, playing golf, bike riding, and downhill skiing.  I’ve also been known to visit a brewery or two on my vacation travels.

The hands-on experience GVSU engineers and safety professionals receive is the hallmark of a PCE education.  It’s what separates us from the graduates of our sister schools in Michigan and connects us to our community.  I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of student, faculty, staff, and community support established by Dr. Paul Plotkowski.