Jessica Durkin '97, '01Jessica portrait

Biology/Zoology
Northville, MI


Jessica (Kanitz) Durkin is Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Research at the University of Michigan (U-M). In this role, she provides counsel to the Vice President for Research, the leadership team and the reporting units. Jessica works to help set priorities and long-range plans, while executing strategies in support of the organizational mission. A two-time NMU graduate, Jessica earned degrees in Biology and Zoology. She lives in Northville with her husband, Terence.

“I’m enthusiastic about being able to give back and serve NMU as a board member in recognition of the outstanding experiences I had while at NMU. There is something special about NMU that stays with you throughout life, and helping my fellow alumni embrace that only enhances my pride as a graduate of NMU.”

“I’m enthusiastic about being able to give back and serve NMU as a board member in recognition of the outstanding experiences I had while at NMU. There is something special about NMU that stays with you throughout life, and helping my fellow alumni embrace that only enhances my pride as a graduate of NMU.”