AMES, Iowa – With the change of seasons comes another milestone for Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm. In September 2024, Andy Suby, assistant director of research administration, will transition to a new, part-time role as a process engineer with the university. His focus will continue to be research and development, supporting pilot plant operations, space allocation demands and process management.
As Suby transitions to his new role, Rob Hartmann will step into the assistant director position at the facility. Hartmann has a master’s degree in engineering technology from Purdue University and has held various positions at Iowa State for the past nine years, including teaching lab coordinator, building systems specialist and research administrator. Hartmann will provide leadership to BCRF operations and elevate research opportunities for the next generation of innovation and public-private partnerships.
“Andy has provided exceptional leadership to the many research projects that take place at the BioCentury Research Farm. His expertise and ability to collaborate with Iowa State faculty and industry professionals have helped take the facility to the next level,” said Matt Darr, BCRF director. “We wish Andy all the best in his next adventure and look forward to the facility’s continued success under Rob’s leadership.”
Suby started as the first manager of the BCRF in June 2009. He later became the assistant director, where he continued to work closely with BCRF affiliates to accelerate innovation and production capacity with bio-based fuels, chemicals and products while embodying the facility’s key components of research, outreach and student work experiences.
During Suby’s tenure with BCRF, the facility projected Iowa State to the forefront of many areas of bio-based research. The following are just a few of the highlights:
– Led research efforts in low-ash content stover collection
– Processed many thousands of tons of biomass feedstock
– Supported Iowa State’s Bioeconomy Institute thermochemical research that included:
- biomass gasification in a fluid-bed gasifier
- pilot-scale autothermal pyrolysis
- solvent liquefaction processes
– Oversaw installation of several research facility additions at BCRF, including:
- an algae research demonstration greenhouse that gave rise to commercialization of novel water treatment methods for Iowa State’s Center for Crop Utilization Research
- a biomass processing facility for milling, sieving and pellet production
- a biopolymer pilot plant that led to the commercialization of a bioasphalt product
- a pilot scale multi-reactor hydrotreater operated in partnership with a leading biofuel company
- the Off-highway Vehicle Chassis Dynamometer Lab
Since 2009, BCRF has led and supported research activity that has brought over $85 million in grant funding to the university, sustained over 50 sponsored research and industry service projects each year, and provided outreach opportunities by hosting 1,145 tours and over 19,000 visitors.
“It has been my great pleasure to work with all the groups across campus and with private industry over the years,” Suby said. “All that has been accomplished is due to the hard work of the students, staff, faculty and administration as a team effort, and I have been blessed to be a part of it.”
About the BioCentury Research Farm
The BioCentury Research Farm continues to support a diverse group of Iowa State and industry-based research teams, where bio-based research efforts, education and outreach to community and industry stakeholders are conducted. The entire facility, with its multiple labs and cutting-edge equipment, is focused on transitioning innovations into the marketplace.
Andy Suby, left, will transition to a part-time role as a process engineer this month, while Rob Hartmann, right, will step into the assistant director position at the BioCentury Research Farm.
(contributed press release, ISUCALS)
