Ally Steines

Business Systems Analyst II

Anindita Das

Community Engagement Strategist

Anindita (Ani) Das is a dedicated leader and advocate who serves as the Community Engagement Strategist for the College of Design at Iowa State University. She builds partnerships, leads K-12 outreach, and creates transformative programming that empowers faculty, staff, and students to grow and thrive professionally. With a passion for fostering connections and uplifting others, she collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to expand opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Ani’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to leadership, mentoring, youth development, and community-building. She has served as a Lecturer in Human Development and Family Studies at ISU, Teaching Faculty at Kansas State University, and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Virginia. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening communities and inspiring individuals to reach their fullest potential.

As a dedicated Professional and Scientific Council member, Ani has served on the DEI and Professional Development Committees, driving initiatives that promote growth and collaboration. She is committed to championing staff, fostering a supportive environment of access and opportunity, and ensuring that every staff member at ISU feels empowered to succeed.

Anugrah Saxena

Diagnostic Associate II

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for supporting me in my first term. I was fortunate to get to learn about the detailed internal working of the P&S council and contribute in my capacity by not only disseminate critical information to the CALS and CVM colleagues throughout the years, but also bringing forth your concerns, pain points and suggestions along with my inputs to the executives.

I had a chance to also serve in one of the committees at CVM and lead it for a bit while becoming a bridge between the college and the council. This gave me a chance to work closer with faculty, students and fellow staff members while teaching me about the dynamic nature of the system and university policies.

With ever changing demographics that our university supports and policies that we need to abide by, it becomes more complicated to find solutions for a range of voices including the significant international community to which I belong.

I want to use my experience from the past decade in various capacities at ISU to good use and put forward my nomination for a 2nd term in front of you to show your faith in me to be your voice and work along with other council members to devise paths to our collective success and happiness.

Anyesha Ray

Associate Statistician

I am a Statistician at the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE). I have worked in Forensic Statistics since I was an undergraduate student and throughout my graduate degree at Iowa State. 

I want to serve on the council to advocate for professional and scientific staff. Through my involvement in STATCOM and the Graduate Student Senate, I’ve gained experience in governance, collaboration, and policy review. This role would be a great opportunity to apply those skills and make a positive impact on my colleagues and the broader community at Iowa State.

Ben Boecker

CALS Admin IT

Elizabeth Huffman

Program Assistant 

Ellen Johnsen

Extension Education Specialist

After graduating from Central College,
    I worked in a lot of different roles.
Helping connect people to one another,
    Was always one of my career goals.

I began my time at Iowa State
    Back in twenty-sixteen.
So I’ve been here long enough
    That I have a work routine.

I work in the Food Science Human Nutrition department.
    We call it FSHN.
I’m very grateful for the job-funding grant
    That just got renewed again.

I work on an Extension project
    With people from all over the Midwest.
We work with produce growers and processors,
    And I think my colleagues are the best.

We work with those who grow and process
    Your fruit and vegetable crops.
I also work to keep food safe,
    When I volunteer at SHOP.

Each year my hallway participates in the
    Homecoming Decoration Contest fun.
I appointed myself the chairperson,
    Which is perhaps why we’ve never won.

I volunteered on the Professional and Scientific council committee
    To plan the 2024 conference day.
I really enjoyed my involvement there,
    So I’d like to have a bit more say.

Some of my job is convincing folks
    To take on additional unpaid tasks.
So it only seems appropriate to volunteer
    For extra work myself, and for your vote, I’ll ask.

Joel Buehler

Information Technology Support III

Kelli Williams

Engineer I/ Scheduler and Estimator

I have been involved with Department of Energy research and supporting this as a facilities engineer. I have seen how important it is, and how crucial the partnership between Ames Lab and ISU can be for all involved. I want to be involved and make a difference both for ISU and Ames Lab employees. I am a second generation ISU grad, and I grew up here. The institution and its research are critical to the nation, and I have seen this first hand as climate change becomes more apparent . I want to play a role in furthering this flourishing partnership. I am diligent with my work and have passed all performance reviews.

Im nominating Kelli Willaims because she has been interested in P&S Council. Kelli would like to expand her knowledge about the University and become more connected with other departments. She is very responsible, engaged, hard working and I know she'll serve the P&S Council well. 

Laura Graves

Business Administrator 

Marcy Cheville

Business Administrator I

I am currently serving as the Business Administrator I for the CALS Office for Academic Innovation and Student Success at Iowa State University. My role involves managing budgetary and financial operations, overseeing administrative tasks, and ensuring the smooth execution of various academic programs. With a strong background in business administration, I bring a detail-oriented, organized, and proactive approach to my work.

I am excited to serve on the Professional and Scientific Council because I am passionate about contributing to the growth and well-being of Iowa State’s professional and scientific staff. Being a member will me to collaborate with diverse groups within the university to foster a supportive environment, advocate for improvements for leadership skills, health care benefits, pay, professional development, and work-life balance for staff. My goal is to represent the interests of my colleagues to enhance and contribute to creating a positive and productive university community.

Mica Paul

Virtual Event Manager

During my career at ISU, I’ve worked both on campus and off campus, giving me a broad perspective on the university’s impact and the experiences of P&S employees. As a Virtual Event Manager at CIRAS, I support Iowa industry by coordinating over 100 virtual events a year—helping companies connect, learn, and grow. My work directly supports ISU’s land-grant mission by making research and resources accessible to businesses across the state. Before this, I provided executive support at ISU Extension and Outreach, assisting the VP, streamlining operations, and onboarding staff.

No matter what role I’ve been in, I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving, building connections, and creating opportunities for others. I believe in fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to succeed. As ISU continues to evolve, I want to be on the forefront of change—advocating for my peers and ensuring we remain responsive to the changing needs of P&S employees. Serving on the P&S Council would allow me to help strengthen professional development, enhance employee benefits and resources, and encourage collaboration. I want to contribute to a culture of engagement, transparency, and innovation that makes ISU an even better place to grow a career. I’d love the opportunity to make a difference!

Monika Arvin

Study Abroad Advisor

My position as a Study Abroad Advisor in the Study Abroad Center has been a life-changing, second career dream job for me. As a P&S member, I can work with both professors and fellow P&S staff. Additionally, I am in a directly student-facing role which provides me the chance to understand the needs and perspectives of our study body.  Prior to ISU, I worked for 15 years as a history professor at the college level and a social studies teacher at the secondary level. I was active in committees at my prior university and alma mater (East Stroudsburg University). I grew up the child of a professor – you could say I’ve been engaging in higher ed my whole life!

In my role as an educator, advocacy and representation were important and vital aspects of my job, whether that was regarding serving on committees, chairing my department, or participating in educational legislative change at my local statehouse.  A myriad of voices and perspectives is what makes the educational community engaging and rewarding. The P&S Council serves to elevate the voices and concerns of an important facet of our institution. It is my hope to become involved in the P&S Council so that I may broaden my impact on the Iowa State community.

Nicholas Schelle

Information Technology Support III

- 22 years of technology support and customer service experience.
- 3 years of employment at Iowa State.
- 15 years of 4H volunteering and 2021 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductee.
- A lifelong learner and current ISU student, currently working toward an MIS degree for professional development.
- Received the CCEE Staff Exceptional Performance Award, 2023

I would like to help represent and advocate for the professional and scientific employees at Iowa State by participating in P&S Council. Thank you for your consideration.

Rose McCarty

Program Specialist 

In my 5+ years at ISU, I've had the privilege of working directly with ISU students, student groups, Faculty Staff Associations/leaders, as well as Senior Leaders as I've held four different positions in three Campus Divisions: Student Affairs/ISU Dining, President's Office/Vice President Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and currently Academic Affairs/Ames National Laboratory.   

Each position came with various challenges, like having my job/position eliminated due to legislation, being an essential employee during the pandemic, and now navigating the changing landscape of higher ed and Federal regulations that impact Ames National Lab. 

Through these collective and sometimes unique experiences, I believe I would be a positive addition to the P&S Council and would be honored to serve my peers and the ISU community as a dedicated advocate and resource while helping the Council achieve its goals.

Tina Prouty

Student Services Specialist

Travis Busch

Career Services Specialist

Ashlee Hovell

Grants Finance Specialist 

I have four years of experience in accounting, where I developed strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I have spent four years coaching, honing my leadership abilities, communication, and ability to motivate others. I am a self-starter who is passionate about learning and eager to take on new challenges. I am committed to pushing for positive change and advocating for my colleagues' needs.

I desire to serve on the Professional and Scientific Council because I am driven to be an emerging leader and to help shape a supportive, inclusive work environment. I believe that through advocacy and collaboration, we can create meaningful change and ensure all voices are heard. I am eager to contribute my diverse experiences to the Council, advocating for professional and scientific staff, and working to enhance opportunities for growth and development within our community.

Jody Nolte

Payroll Manager

Marissa Surette

Accounts Receivable Specialist II

Nellie Corning

Finance Supervisor

Steve Kohtz

Recycling Services and Special Events Coordinator

Steve Kohtz offers various qualifications in customer service, research, education, and management with creative problem solving. Employed as ISU’s Recycling Services and Special Events Coordinator, Steve seeks to develop education, research, and implementation of Recycling and Waste Minimization for campus, elevating ISU’s landfill diversion from 62% in 2022, to 72% at present. 

As special events coordinator, Kohtz works with the Iowa State community in support of events on central campus through the Events Authorization Committee (EAC) and third-party events through Iowa State University Conference Planning and Management; Ensuring events are well planned and needs are communicated with Campus Services to facilitate a successful, value-added, and enjoyable outcomes.

His professional collaborations find Kohtz on the Executive Board (as Secretary) of the Iowa Recycling Association, a statewide non-profit, promoting the advancement of recycling in Iowa. Kohtz also serves on the Steering Committee of the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS); a network of colleges and university communities working together to promote recycling. 

It is Steve’s vision to serve his co-workers, associates, and council with excellent customer service and support. Steve’s work revolves around influential messaging, education, conflict resolution and creative problem solving, all areas he would be bringing to the council if elected.

Tim Trepa

Grant Finance Specialist

I was appointed  for a partial term to the P+S council, and am looking for the opportunity to serve for a complete term. I worked for several years in operations management before moving into the education management field. I feel this gives me a well rounded background that will allow me to be a benefit to the P+S council. I have truly enjoyed my time on the council and look forward to continuing this service into the future. 

Andrew Sutton

Information Technology Support

Liz Remus

Systems Analyst II

I am eager to join the P&S Council to effectively represent and advocate for my colleagues at Iowa State University. I began as an Iowa State student in 2016, student employee in 2018, and culminated in a full-time position by 2021. This progression has given me an appreciation of the University's environment and community from both academic and employment perspectives. I am passionate about Iowa State's community and sharing it with others. 

As a member of the Information Technology Services (ITS) team, I am dedicated to enhancing the experience for all users, both on and off campus. This same drive motivates my contribution to the P&S Council. 

I believe my background and enthusiasm for creating a positive and inclusive environment will enable me to effectively serve and support my fellow P&S colleagues.

Mike Fischer

Communications Specialist II

I am finishing my first term with the Professional & Scientific Council and am running for a second term. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with feel employees and deepen my understanding of Iowa State University while advocating for my coworkers. 

Engaging in the dialog of what is best for Professional & Scientific employees is allowing me to engage with those around me and hear their concerns. I would appreciate another term of being able to help make a difference for my coworkers by representing them on council.

Tina Mercer

Customer Relations Coordinator III

Maggie Shonrock

Patent Prosecution Coordinator  
ISU Research Foundation

David Clark

Building Services Specialist II

Tyler Lennon

Dean of Students Office (Office of Student Conduct)

Serving others has always been a passion of mine, and having the opportunity to serve on the Professional and Scientific Council would provide me the chance to do this in a new setting. Previously, I have worked to help people identify what they value while helping them explore solutions that will help them create an environment where these values are displayed.

In previous roles, such as a substance use counselor and a service coordinator, I have helped individuals continue to explore themselves while  also challenging them in what is a priority versus what is not. Additionally, I have served on Team Story at Story County where I helped develop and implement activities to show staff our appreciation for their work. 

I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the P&S Council as it gives me a great opportunity to help impact the culture here at Iowa State University in a positive way.