Meet Your OVC Colleagues: Spring 2025

Ashlee Andrews

Visiting Student Program Manager
International Students Office

My role: I advise incoming international and domestic Visiting Students who are coming to campus to conduct research with MIT faculty members.
Years at MIT: 8
Favorite hobbies or DIY projects: My family and I love to travel and explore new places.
Favorite movie: The Sound of Music
Dream vacation spot: New Zealand or Greece
Favorite sports team(s): I support all Boston teams but mainly follow the Red Sox and Patriots.
What was your first job? I was a paper girl for the Lowell Sun. It was a fun first job and was a good intro to learning how to manage my own little business.
Guilty pleasure: Bravo reality shows…

Charlie Turner

Administrator, Undergraduate Degree Audit
Registrar’s Office

My role: I manage undergraduate degree lists and support students on their path to completing all General Institute Requirements.
Years at MIT: 6.5
Favorite hobbies or DIY projects: I’m an avid fiction writer and have a few short stories published. I’ve also been working on a novel for a couple years now.
Last great books you read: This is tough…I’d say Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane.
Dream vacation spot: This isn’t necessarily my “dream” vacation, but I would love to one day visit Deadwood, South Dakota. I’m a huge fan of the HBO show Deadwood, and to visit the old west town in real life would be surreal.
Best Halloween costume you’ve ever had: My friends and I all dressed up as Luigi (Super Mario Bros.) last Halloween to confuse everyone at a party we were going to. The reactions were hilarious, so that has to be a favorite!
What was your first job? My first part-time job was as a host at Chili’s when I was 17. I think I lasted 3 months. My first 9-to-5 job, however, was here at MIT in the Office of Graduate Education!

Alison Hynd

Assistant Dean and Instructor
PKG Center

My role: I support student social impact work around the world.
Years at MIT: 22
Favorite movie: The Big Sleep
Favorite sports team(s): Name a team and I doubt I’d even know what sport they play!
Famous person (living or dead) you’d love to meet, and why: Sophie Scholl, a German student who resisted the Nazis. I’d like her to know that her sacrifices made a difference, and she is remembered.
Most influential person in your life: My mum. She taught me by her actions to speak up.
Guilty pleasure: Doctor Odyssey
If I won the lottery, I would: Pay the capital gains taxes first!

John Sandoval

Associate Dean, Advising and Academic Achievement
Undergraduate Advising Center

My role: In my role, I provide academic advising within the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC) and collaborate with various campus departments to research and implement new student success software aimed at enhancing support for students, staff, and faculty.
Years at MIT: 1.5
Favorite hobbies or DIY projects: I have a deep passion for several hobbies, including men’s softball, golfing, bowling, and working out. However, since relocating to the East Coast, fishing has become my favorite pastime. Whether it’s casting from the shores of the Cape Cod Canal or embarking on boat trips to fish New England’s abundant waters, the region offers unparalleled fishing opportunities that continually fuel my passion.
Music or musicians/bands/groups you love: Growing up in Colorado, I developed a deep appreciation for a wide range of music genres, including hip-hop, reggae, EDM, and classic rock. Attending concerts has always been one of my greatest joys, and experiencing performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre was amazing! I need to fly back soon to catch another show!
Proudest moment in your life: The birth of my son was the most joyous and transformative moment of my life. Before his arrival, I felt a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation about becoming a father. However, the instant I held him in my arms, an overwhelming sense of love and purpose filled me, replacing any earlier apprehensions. His presence brought profound joy and new meaning to my life. That was until he became a teenager—holy cow! Just kidding; he’s a great kid, and I’m proud to be his father.
If I won the lottery, I would: If I won the lottery, my first priority would be to pay off all my student loans!! Additionally, I would provide financial support to my parents to ensure they can retire comfortably and enjoy their later years. While I love my current job, I would consider taking a hiatus from higher education to pursue my passion by purchasing a fishing boat and starting a fishing charter business. Tight lines everyone!