Staff Members

Rick was 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 working 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 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 and strengthen relationships with ISU.

A proud ISU graduate, she returned to Ames after previously 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

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 two 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

The majority of Becky’s working career has been spent in executive support roles in a variety of industries; Insurance, Agriculture, and City and State Education. Becky started at Iowa State in 2000 at the College of Veterinarian Medicine. She also worked at the Ames Community School District for 9 years. In 2013 she returned to Iowa State in the President’s office and transitioned over to EDIR which lead her to her current role with the Research Park in 2019.

Growing up in South Dakota and having lived in Minnesota, Illinois and Kansas, Becky and her husband Shane have lived in Ames since 2000.  They have 2 adult children and 1 grandchild. They love spending time with family and friends and being at their cabin in Northern Minnesota.

Contact: becky@iastate.edu 

Marty Noe started with the ISURP in fall of 2020 as the Building Services Maintenance Technician. Marty served 12 years in the National Guard. His service in the military has equipped him for his position at the Research Park. Marty’s background is in manufacturing and maintenance. 

When Marty is not at the Research Park, he spends time with his kids and perfecting his craft woodworking in Gilbert, Iowa.

Contact: mnoe@iastate.edu

Lehr is a senior at Iowa State majoring in Event Management with a minor in Public Relations and a certificate in Leadership Studies. This is her first year as an intern with the ISU Research Park. Lehr is excited to join the community of young professionals at the Research Park and be able to further her knowledge in event planning.

Lehr is from Fort Dodge, Iowa. She is a member of the University Swim and Dive Team. Aside from swimming, Lehr has been a member of The Student Athlete Advisory Committee since her freshman year, and this year she serves as President. In her free time, Lehr enjoys hanging out with friends or riding her bike.

Contact: Lehrt@iastate.edu

Leah started as an intern at the ISU Research Park in August, 2020. She is currently a sophomore majoring in Agriculture and Society with a minor in Animal Science. Leah grew up in Liscomb, Iowa and is involved in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassadors, Collegiate Cattlemen, and Rodeo Club on campus.

Sarah is a senior at Iowa State majoring in Accounting and Finance. This is her third year as an intern with the ISU Research Park. Sarah is from West Des Moines, Iowa and is involved in the College of Business and her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. In her free time, she enjoys running and reading.

Sarah is looking forward to helping plan events for the Research Park and to grow her skills during her final year at Iowa State.

Contact: sarahl3@iastate.edu

Eric started as an intern at the ISU Research Park in May 2021. He graduated from Iowa State with a degree in statistics and a minor in data science in the spring of 2021, after being a member of the men’s basketball team for three years. His next step will be attending graduate school in the information systems program at Iowa State.

Eric was born and raised in Ames, Iowa, and has been a member of the Ames community for all of his life. He is looking forward to working with and learning from all of the great people at the ISU Research Park.

Contact: ersteyer@iastate.edu

Leyla is a sophomore at Iowa State majoring in Business Management. She he is excited about the opportunity to work with other students from Iowa State. 

Leyla is from Ankeny, Iowa. On-campus, she is a leader for the campus ministry Salt Company. In her free time, Leyla enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and hanging out with her friends. She is excited to join the community at the Research Park and develop her knowledge and experience by working alongside staff and the other interns.

Contact: lmoffitt@iastate.edu

Casey is a freshman at Iowa State. He is majoring in business but still deciding concentration/focus. This is his first year as an intern at the ISU Research Park. As a senior, Casey worked at the Research Park through the Business Engagement Collaborative program at his high school.

Casey lives in Ames, Iowa. He is involved with the Salt Company and plans on joining the Sports Business Club and the Golf Club. Casey enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with friends. He is looking forward to building new relationships along with developing skills to help him in his future career. 

Contact: crmumm@iastate.edu