Timothy L. Born, Ph.D.

Interim Dean, Seymour & Esther Padnos College of Engineering

• Pronouns: He/Him/His (what's this?)
• Office Address: 332 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
• Phone: (616) 331-8643
• Email: [email protected]

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.

Lindsay Corneal, PhD

Interim Associate Dean, Seymour & Esther Padnos College of Engineering

Professor, Product Design and Manufacturing

• Pronouns: She/Her/Hers (what's this?)
• Office Address: 136 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
• Phone: (616) 331-6750
• Email: [email protected]

Brief Biography:

I grew up in Windsor, Ontario (Canada) and earned a BASc in Mechanical Engineering with a Materials option from the University of Windsor. I began working at DaimlerChrysler after completing my undergraduate degree but I was never far from a classroom. While working full-time, I completed an MBA from Lawrence Technological University by taking evening and weekend classes. I ultimately made the very difficult decision to give up my job to go back to school full-time. I completed a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Michigan State University.

Having participated in a co-op program as an undergraduate student, I had gotten a Ph.D. so that I could teach at a university like GVSU. I wanted to work at a place that prepares students for the real world, with a balance of theory and hands-on practice.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, ages 15 and 11. When we aren’t watching the kids play basketball, softball, or compete in track and field meets, we enjoy watching cooking and baking shows on TV and having friendly family cooking and baking competitions/challenges. Our dog participates by licking the plates clean afterwards.

Wendy Reffeor, Ph.D.

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

I am originally from West Michigan, having grown up in Montague.  I 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 my undergraduate degree at Kettering, I co-oped at Allison Engine Company in Indianapolis and then continued working there through my master’s degree. I sought a teaching position at GVSU in 1996 because of my strong belief in cooperative education and love of teaching.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children-19 and 16, traveling, finding new restaurants, gardening, golfing, skiing, reading, and playing with my two cats.

Mary VanPopering

Assistant Dean

Office: 332 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
Phone: (616) 331-6260
Email: [email protected]

I grew up and have always lived in West Michigan, becoming a Laker Alum by earning B.S. in Psychology. I returned to  work at Grand Valley almost 20 years ago and gained invaluable experience in Admissions, Disability Support, and finally landing in the Padnos College almost 10 years ago. My work at Grand Valley and growing up in a family business has given me a great appreciation for how important it is to manage resources well.

I currently live in Grand Rapids with my husband, son, and naughty Chug Loki. All of us love to spend time outdoors, whatever the season. I’ve hiked mountains and snowboarded in the Rockies and have recently taken up mountain biking.