Under the MSU Innovation Center, the MSU Business Connect unit helps facilitate research partnerships with corporations. We support startup entrepreneurs and promote research-based economic development in Michigan communities.
Taking a dive at the entire entrepreneurial eco-system at MSU, corporate engagement is key to building momentum. We help companies leverage MSU’s wealth of resources to align business goals with the university’s intellectual capacity and ability to deliver results.
We are committed to making Michigan’s economy stronger through innovation and entrepreneurial activity. Please read on below to learn more about our team and how we can help.
Connect with our team

Brice Nelson, director of corporate partnerships, develops relationships between MSU and the private sector. Brice serves as MSU’s front door for corporations and directs businesses to key campus resources while establishing new partnerships with lasting impact. Brice leads efforts in many areas including mobility, smart health, bioengineering, energy and more.
Brice covers:
- Eli Broad College of Business and Management
- College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Law
- College of Social Science
Connect with Brice: 517-884-2368, bnelson@msu.edu, LinkedIn

Jeff Myers, director of corporate relations, manages industry research partnerships with MSU focused on plant and food sciences, agriculture, packaging materials or animal and human health fields.
Jeff covers:
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- College of Human Medicine
- College of Natural Science
- College of Nursing
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Veterinary Medicine
Connect with Jeff: 517-884-2366, jkmyers@msu.edu, LinkedIn

Charles Hasemann, assistant vice president for Innovation & Economic Development, leads the MSU Innovation Center on its mission to create productive research and technology commercialization relationships between MSU and the private sector. Combining his corporate research background with his academic research and administration experiences, Charley connects regional entrepreneurs to the intellectual and technical capacity of MSU while helping facilitate regional economic activity endeavors.
Charley Covers:
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Education
- Graduate School
- International Studies and Programs
- James Madison College
- Lyman Briggs College
- College of Music
Connect with Charley: 517-884-2370, haseman1@msu.edu, LinkedIn

Randy Sheets, director of sponsored programs, reviews, negotiate and approves final terms in agreements. Randy also drafts subcontracts resulting from company sponsored projects and is the contract lead with for-profit companies sponsoring clinical trials/clinical research at MSU.
Randy covers:
- Clinical trials
Connect with Randy: 517-884-2371, sheetsd@msu.edu

Tina Ramos, Sponsored Programs administrator, works with MSU’s faculty, department and unit program administration, MSU regulatory offices, MSU Technologies and Business Connect in the negotiation and drafting of clinical trial and industry-sponsored research agreements to ensure contractual terms are fairly represented and in compliance with applicable MSU policy. Tina is also the primary contact for industry-sponsored fee-for-service agreements.
Connect with Tina: ramostin@msu.edu

Charlene Fortin, Sponsored Programs accountant, reviews budgets and assists in facilitating the routing of materials connected to proposal development, institutional proposals and awards.
Connect with Charlene: 517-884-2363, fortinch@msu.edu, LinkedIn
For Companies
Connect with MSU Research, talent and resources and learn how we can help your company grow.
For MSU Faculty & Research Administrators
Learn how we can connect you to companies interested in your research.
R&D Partnership Highlights
Discover key opportunities for University-Corporate partnerships.
Share space with MSU
We have incubator spaces that serve thinkers, innovators and researchers looking to bring a product to the marketplace.
Economic Development
We are committed to state and regional economic development. Learn more about our innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Community Entrepreneurship
MSU is a starting point for a multitude of community-based entrepreneurial and support resources.