Jeni Summers

Education

• B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Eastern Illinois University
• A.A.S, Computer Information Systems and Microcomputer Programming, Parkland College

Biography

Jeni Summers serves as a Senior Research Program Manager for ITI and CIRI, responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of a variety of research projects. As such, Jeni is responsible for providing oversight, coordination, and management of research projects from an administrative, operational, financial, and contractual standpoint. In this capacity, she serves as a liaison between project Principal Investigators and researchers and research sponsors and stakeholders. Among other tasks, Jeni monitors project progress against task, milestone, and deliverables schedules; monitors and reports project financial status; drafts and delivers reports to sponsors; facilitates communications to project stakeholders; and organizes research team participation in workshops and conferences.

Prior to coming to ITI and CIRI, Jeni 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. She holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Computer Information Systems and Microcomputer Programming from Parkland College; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Eastern Illinois University. She is also an Illinois Certified Research Administrator.

Honors

• Robert T. Chien 2017 Service Award. Issued by Coordinated Science Lab in recognition of outstanding service in support of CSL research programs. (12/2017)
• 2023 Excellence at Work Award Issued by Information Trust Institute. The ITI Excellence at Work Award is given to one ITI support staff and one technical staff each year that demonstrate the following; 1) Demonstrates excellence in overall work performance. 2) Promotes positive morale by displaying a congenial, supportive attitude and providing service to others. 3) Puts forth an effort to improve self as well as to develop and recognize others. 4) Exhibits initiative and creativity resulting in improved operating efficiency of ITI. 5) Enhances the image of ITI. (12/2023)