ResearchPOST
ResearchPOST Handles Complexity So You Can Focus on Discovery
Research projects at Iowa State University often involve multiple stakeholders, strict deadlines, and complex coordination. The Research Project Operations and Strategy Team (ResearchPOST), supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), provides experienced project managers to guide scientific, scholarly, and educational initiatives, focusing on post-award support. We build essential infrastructure and ensure efficient progress, allowing you to concentrate on your research.
Effective Project Management
- Orchestrates internal and external communications
- Ensures deliverables are met
- Maintains budget discipline
Benefits of Working with ResearchPOST
- Timely and within-scope project completion
- Reduced administrative burdens
- Enhanced communication and collaboration
- Proper resource allocation and grant compliance
Read the ResearchPOST brochure (PDF) to learn more about our post-award research project management services.

Work with ResearchPOST
Start the process of adding a project manager to your team. A ResearchPOST representative will reach out to you within three days of your submission to schedule a meeting to discuss your project or planning needs in more depth.
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Nicole Scott
Research Project Manager
nmscott@iastate.edu
Nicole Scott
Nicole Scott is a research project manager within the ResearchPOST team. She has experience and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary, multi-institutional teams and team science. Previous to this role, she worked as the project manager for funded projects from NSF and USDA NIFA. She has experience in IRB and IACUC from her own research portfolio. She holds a B.S. in biology from Iowa State University, a M.Res in primatology from Roehampton University and a Ph.D. in cognitive science from University of Minnesota.
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Stacy Renfro
Research Project Manager
srenfro@iastate.edu
Stacy Renfro
Stacy Renfro is a research project manager within the ResearchPOST team. She has 15 years of experience working alongside research teams and executing funded projects, including working with large-scale initiatives such as Engineering Research Centers and the NIST Centers of Excellence program. Stacy specializes in working with interdisciplinary teams, strategic project management, and helping research teams maximize their impact. She holds a B.S. in management and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Northwest Missouri State University.
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Marc Peterson
Research and Finance Manager
marc@iastate.edu
Marc Peterson
Marc Peterson is a research and finance manager with the ResearchPOST team. He enjoys managing the finance and administrative sides of interdisciplinary research and outreach programs, and has experience with a variety of sponsors, including foundations and federal, state and local agencies. His previous teams include NSF EPSCoR, The Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE), and the Urban 4-H Extension program. He holds a B.S. in family services and a Master’s in Public Administration, both from Iowa State University.
General questions can be sent to researchpost@iastate.edu.
Iowa State Research Project Management Council
The Research Project Management Council (RPMC) at Iowa State supports research project management staff by aiding new professionals and enhancing resources for senior managers. Convened by the OVPR and university colleges, RPMC aligns with member needs to ensure effective support.
Guiding Principles:
- Collaboration: Partnering with university colleges to provide targeted support.
- Consistency & Efficiency: Implementing efficient project management practices while respecting existing cultures.
- Communication: Promoting open dialogue with all levels of university stakeholders.
- Big-Picture Focus: Addressing overarching issues in the sponsored funding project management ecosystem and collaborating on improvements.
Join the RPMC
The RPMC meets quarterly in-person to share best practices, address common challenges, and foster a supportive network that advances the success of research initiatives.