Wendy Reffeor, Ph.D.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Interim Associate Dean, Padnos College of Engineering
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 
Office Address: 332 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
Phone: (616) 331-6260
Email: [email protected]

Wendy is excited to be part of the Padnos College of Engineering advising team. She earned a BSME from Kettering University (then GMI Engineering and Management Institute) in 1991, an MSME from IUPUI in 1995 and a PhD in Engineering Mechanics from Michigan State University in 2001. While working on her undergraduate degree at Kettering, she co-oped at Allison Engine Company in Indianapolis and then continued working there through her master’s degree. She sought a teaching position at GVSU in 1996 because of her strong belief in cooperative education and love of teaching. Throughout her time at GVSU, advising students and ensuring their success has been her greatest joy.

When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, finding new restaurants, gardening, golfing, reading, and playing with her two cats.

Audra Pretty-Smith, M.A.

Director, PCE Advising Center

Office Address: 101 Eberhard 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: 101 Eberhard 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: 101 Eberhard 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.

Jason Vandenberghe

Graduate Assistant, PCE Advising Center

Pronouns: He/Him/his 

Office Address: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: s_vandenjw@gvsu.edu

Jason is the new Graduate Assistant in the PCE Advising & Student Services 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: 101 Eberhard 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: 101 Eberhard Center
Phone: (616) 331-6025
Email: [email protected]

Jyothsna Allu works as a student assistant in the PCE Advising & Student Services 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.

Harini Nalluri

Student Services Student Assistant, PCE Advising Center & Outreach

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers (what's this?)

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

Harini is a current graduate student in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics. Harini is from Guntur, India where they are known for their red chillies. Guntur is known as the Land of the Chillies. She primarily supports day-to-day advising tasks such as managing calendars, preparing folders for prospective students, and greeting all guests and students. In addition, to assisting with advising she assists with updating brochures. 

Harini's fun fact is that she is an extrovert that values her alone time.