People
The North Central IPM Center is dedicated to helping you reach your integrated pest management (IPM) goals. With a strong focus on collaboration, our team works closely with IPM professionals and national partners to fulfill our mission of promoting IPM in the North Central region. Feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help you connect with partners, resources and funding opportunities.
Laura Iles, Director
Dr. Iles directs the North Central IPM Center, overseeing the grant programs and working with regulatory agencies. She coordinates national pest alert publications, helps develop crop profiles and pest management plans, and represents the center to stakeholders.
Daren Mueller, Co-Director
Dr. Mueller, coordinator of the Iowa IPM program, serves as an advisor to the North Central IPM Center. With a focus on field crop diseases, his research involves studying their biology and developing effective management strategies.
Lynnae Jess, Co-Director & Working Group Liaison
Lynnae has been a key member of the North Central IPM Center since 2002. She serves as a liaison between the center and its working groups, advocating for its interests and fostering collaboration.
Jacque Pohl, Communications Specialist
Jacque specializes in communication and outreach, promoting IPM initiatives and distributing newsletters and pest alerts to inform stakeholders about national pest issues.
Kelsey Mueller, Research Administrator
Kelsey manages grant administration by coordinating grant programs, ensuring proper financial management, and handling post-award reporting.
Steering Committee and Advisory Council
The regional Center priorities and strategies for addressing them are determined by the Steering Committee and Advisory Council. These committees consist of leaders from working groups, NCERA-222 members (IPM coordinators), communication experts, representatives from regional organizations, national programs, educators, and industry professionals. This collective collaboration promotes effective communication and cooperation among the Advisory Council members and the stakeholders they represent. Furthermore, these committees guide the strategic planning efforts of the regional Center.
Steering Committee
The NCIPMC Steering Committee, distinct from the Advisory Council members, plays a crucial role in providing overall guidance for the center’s activities. With its smaller size, historical perspective, and representative structure, the Steering Committee offers valuable insights and direction. Their responsibilities include advising center staff on effective management and utilization of funds, setting goals and priorities, strategic planning, developing signature programs, fostering partnerships, and assessing impacts. Essentially, the Steering Committee contributes to shaping the Center’s vision for IPM in the North Central region.
Advisory Council
NCIPMC staff regularly send quarterly email updates to the Advisory Council. Additionally, the Advisory Council members are provided with an annual survey to gather their input on IPM priorities and needs. They are encouraged to distribute the survey to their respective stakeholders as well. Once the survey responses are collected, the Center staff engage with the entire Advisory Council on an annual basis. During this engagement, the survey results are discussed, an annual update is provided, and strategic issues are addressed.
Furthermore, the Advisory Council serves as a crucial avenue for Center outreach. Its members actively promote the Center and its activities to their stakeholders and other individuals who may have an interest in IPM.