The NIAMRRE Operations Center is located in Ames, Iowa, at the Iowa State University Research Park. Our team is passionate about serving our members and building relationships for cross-sector collaboration in antimicrobial resistance research, education, and advocacy.
Executive Director
Paul J. Plummer, DVM PhD DACVIM(LAIM) DECSRHM
Dr. Paul Plummer is Executive Director of NIAMRRE as well as a Professor and Anderson Chair in Veterinary Science in the Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine at Iowa State University. He also serves as the current Director of the Midwest AMR Consortium. His academic role as both a board-certified food animal internal medicine and infectious disease specialist coupled with a PhD in veterinary microbiology, and his leadership of an active research laboratory, place him at the intersection of translational research focused on AMR. In addition, he serves as a voting member of the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria (PAC-CARB) and serves on the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Antimicrobials.
Associate Director of External Relations
Kris Johansen, PhD, MBA
Dr. Kris Johansen, a microbiologist with expertise in bacterial pathogenesis and molecular biology, leads NIAMRRE’s external-facing efforts and serves as an AMR subject matter expert. She plays a key role in developing strong and sustained relationships with academic, professional, and industry stakeholders by leveraging her background in technology transfer, research commercialization, and startup company development. She holds a PhD in microbiology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s in business administration from Iowa State University.
Member Development Specialist
Erica Baker, MS
Erica Baker manages process flow for new members, administers the NIAMRRE Exchange online community, and serves as NIAMRRE’s primary events and meeting logistics coordinator. She joined NIAMRRE in December 2018 from the Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Hellmich holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in entomology from Iowa State University.
Education and Training Coordinator
Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, PhD
Dr. Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, Education and Training Coordinator for NIAMRRE, has a background in agricultural extension education focusing on program development and evaluation. Sarah leads the NIAMRRE education work through collaborating on educational research projects and coordinating continuing education programs for professionals and producers. She holds a PhD and master’s degree in Agricultural Education along with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science all from Iowa State University.
Research and Operations Administrator
Ali Fabian, MS, LAT
Ali Fabian, Research and Operations Administrator, provides financial administration to NIAMRRE through preparation of financial reports, monitoring budgets, and reconciling accounts. She provides project management on grant proposals and post award projects. Ali joined NIAMRRE in September 2022 from the Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Ali holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Services and Development and a Master’s Degree in Animal Science form Tarleton State University.
Communications Specialist
Callie Gitch, BS
Callie Gitch, Communications Specialist, manages NIAMRRE social media pages, website updates and communication materials. Callie joined NIAMRRE in November 2022 from the Agricultural Education and Studies Department at Iowa State University. Callie holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University.
