Staff Members

Rick is the newest member of the Iowa State University Research Park team, being named President and Director in May 2019 after a nationwide search. He is responsible for all aspects of the development and operation of the ISU Research Park that today includes 400 acres; 800,000 square feet of finished commercial space; hosts more than 90 companies from startups to Fortune 500 companies; and is home to more than 2,000 employees.

Sanders has an extensive professional background that includes stints in local government, association management, business development and higher education.

Rick and his wife Calli have lived in Ames since 2003 after stops in Alabama, Montana and Maine.  They are the proud parents of 3 adult children. Together, they enjoy traveling, hiking, ISU sporting events and quiet time on the deck.

Contact: rsanders@iastate.edu

Cell: (515) 708-0158

Alison joined the Iowa State University Research Park in 2008 after spending the prior ten years working in advertising agencies and start up companies. She leads the ISU Research Park’s marketing, communications, public relations, events, and community building efforts. She also serves as a liaison for the ISU Research Park companies as they look to build/strengthen relationships with ISU.

A proud ISU graduate, she returned to Ames after stints living in Missouri, Vermont, California, Washington, Germany, and England. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, riding her bike, teaching and practicing yoga, and attending sporting events.

Contact: adoyle@iastate.edu

Nate has been with the Iowa State University Research Park since July of 2014, in charge of helping manage the many construction projects around the research park. Nate graduated from Iowa State University in 2000 with a degree in Civil Engineering and worked as an engineering consultant from 2000 until taking the job at the ISU Research Park. He also is a licensed State of Iowa Professional Engineer.

Nate loves to spend time with his wife and three children and enjoys playing golf, fishing, soccer, softball and riding scooters. He also enjoys going on ISU football road trips, traveling to Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and New York for games. At the ISU Research Park, Nate enjoys creating relationships with tenants and watching companies grow.

Nate’s biggest regret in life is not earning an ISU Intramural Championship T-shirt in his time at Iowa State.

Contact: neaster@iastate.edu

Michele started working at the Iowa State University Research Park in 1995. She manages the physical operations of the landscaped grounds, parking lots and buildings, including maintenance, custodial and grounds personnel. She is also the primary communication liaison between tenants and the ISU Research Park, helping determine facility and service needs for all.

Michele has seen the ISU Research Park grow from four buildings to the current expansion. She is excited to see the continued growth as the park reaches new heights.

When she’s not at work, Michele enjoys being active. She also enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.

 Contact: mfarnham@iastate.edu

Vi has been with the Iowa State University Research Park since August of 2001, and manages the ISU Research Park budgeting, finances and accounting. In her time at the ISU Research Park, she says she has seen the park quadruple in size as the park continues to expand.

Vi received her degree in accounting from Iowa State University. When she’s not at work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, including visiting national parks.

Contact: vihall@iastate.edu

Alicia has been with the Iowa State University Research Park since October 2017. She assists with the ISU Research Park finances and accounting and leads the accounting efforts for the ISU Startup Factory. Alicia is a graduate of ISU with degrees in Accounting and Finance and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Outside of work Alicia enjoys all things sports, especially cheering for her children in all of their many sporting activities. She loves reading, spending time outdoors, and family vacations.  Her favorite place to visit is Colorado, even though she’s a terrible skier!

Contact: alismith@iastate.edu

Abbie has been with the Iowa State University Research Park since January 2018. She is a senior pursuing a degree in Marketing at Iowa State. Abbie loves to see all of the new ideas come to fruition in the Research Park. She has enjoyed getting to be apart of and plan grand openings for new tenants and celebratory events for current tenants. 

Abbie grew up in Osage, IA. On campus, she serves as the Chapter President of Gamma Phi Beta and is a member of the Senior Class Council and Iowa State Singers. Abbie also serves as an undergraduate research assistant. When she isn’t on campus, you can find her reading or spending time with friends. 

Contact: acmiller@iastate.edu

Matt was brought on as an intern in April 2018. He is currently a junior majoring in Agricultural Business and Economics. Matt has loved being a part of big events such as grand openings and expansions because it means the Park is growing. 

Matt grew up in Hamburg, IA, where he developed a love for the outdoors. On campus, he is involved in FarmHouse Fraternity, Ag Business Club, Ag Marketing and Management Organization, and Intramural dodgeball. He also serves as a peer mentor to younger students.

Contact: mstenzel@iastate.edu

Carter started his journey at the ISU Research Park during high school, as a part of the Ames High BEC. He is now a junior at Iowa State double majoring in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. Carter really enjoys being able to interact and network with other young professionals at the Research Park. 

Carter was born and raised in Ames, Iowa and is a cyclone fan through and through. He serves as a student manager and member of the scout team for the Iowa State Women’s Basketball team. Carter is also very dedicated to Dance Marathon and is a member of the Family Relations Committee. When he isn’t busy with these things, Carter likes to play sports and go hammocking.

Contact: cwmumm@iastate.edu

Joe started his journey as an intern at the ISU Research in October of 2018. He is a senior studying marketing and entrepreneurship. Joe grew up in Centennial, Colorado and has enjoyed working with the driven individuals in Ames toward a common goal of growth. 

Joe currently serves as the Vice President of Public Relations for the Interfraternity Council at Iowa State and is an active member of the Marketing Club, Delta Upsilon, and Dance Marathon. Outside of these commitments, Joe spends his time learning about photography, videography, and design.

Contact: jstan@iastate.edu

Sophie began her internship at the ISU Research Park in the fall of 2018. She is currently a junior majoring in Supply Chain Management, Marketing, and International Business. Sophie is always willing to jump into any project the team needs and has a great mind for logistics. 

Sophie is from Johnston, IA and came to Iowa State ready to dive in to leadership opportunities. She is currently on the Homecoming Central Committee, the Financial Vice President for Gamma Phi Beta, and a member of the Supply Chain Management Club. Outside of these commitments, Sophie has developed a love for travel, cooking, and rollerblading. 

Contact: smcatus@iastate.edu

Victoria joined the intern team in the fall of 2018. She is currently a junior pursuing her degree in Marketing and Digital Media. Her favorite part about working for the Research Park is being able to plan and promote events that are making a difference in the community. Victoria played a huge role in the grand opening of the Tedesco ELC and other community events. 

Victoria is originally from Cottage Grove, MN. At Iowa State, she serves as the Public Relations Vice President of her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta and is a member of the marketing club. When she is not working or studying, Victoria enjoys photography, spending time outdoors, and playing volleyball. 

Contact: vnovotny@iastate.edu

Sarah began her internship with the ISU Research Park in October 2019. She is currently a sophomore majoring in Accounting. Sarah enjoys the ability to work closely with a variety of people and finds the hands-on experience very valuable. Most recently, she has been working on a student networking event with Victoria. 

Sarah is from West Des Moines, IA. On campus she is involved in Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the University Honors Program. Sarah loves to run and be outdoors, but you can also count on seeing her reading at local coffee shops with her friends.

Contact: sarahl3@iastate.edu