Jeni Summers

Summers is tasked with the comprehensive management and coordination of the institution's research initiatives. Her responsibilities extend across administrative, operational, financial, and contractual domains, ensuring the smooth execution of projects. Summers plays a pivotal role in bridging communication between principal investigators, research personnel, and both sponsors and stakeholders of the projects. She meticulously tracks and evaluates project progression in relation to established tasks, milestones, and deliverables; oversees and updates on the financial health of projects; compiles and presents detailed reports to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); enhances stakeholder engagement through effective communication strategies; and spearheads the participation of research teams in events and workshops endorsed by DHS, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and strategic oversight in her professional duties. 

Prior to coming to CIRI, Summers served in project management roles at the Coordinated Science Laboratory and the Systems on Nanoscale fabriCs (SONIC) Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Summers holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Computer Information Systems and Microcomputer Programming from Parkland College; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University. She is also an Illinois Certified Research Administrator.