Dr. Kiki Zissimopoulos is an engineer and educator with 15+ years of experience in project management, human-centered design, and talent development. As Director of Operations and Senior Research Associate at CIERA, she brings a curiosity-driven and collaborative approach to the management of people, places, and processes within the center.
Her leadership extends beyond her current role: she was the founding treasurer of the National Institute on Science Teaching, a nonprofit supporting undergraduate STEM educators, has served on Faculty Senate and various professional committees, and currently leads the Research Communication Training Program where researchers learn how to share their work with clarity and impact.
An award-winning academic adviser, she is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering others in their professional growth.
Kiki manages the operations of CIERA, including:
- Directs the administrative staff
- Serves as the interface between the scientific functions of the Center and the University’s main administration, as well as other departments that work with CIERA
- Management of the postdoctoral program
- Oversees proposal preparation and provides guidance as needed
- Oversees finances and grant management
- Oversees the visiting researchers program
- Oversees computing resources
- Oversees all space management, including office assignments
- Provides support for CIERA programs
- Anything not covered by other staff