Sumner is a science communicator focused on translating complex research into clear, engaging stories that advance the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. With nearly a decade of experience supporting science and national security programs, Sumner specializes in shaping narratives that make cutting‑edge research accessible to policymakers, collaborators, and the public.
As part of ORNL’s Neutron Sciences Directorate, Sumner develops feature articles, press releases, social media content, and multimedia projects that highlight discovery science at world-leading neutron facilities. Her work spans editorial strategy, visual storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and creative project leadership—helping connect scientific impact to broader national and international audiences. Sumner also mentors new team members and contributes to international communication efforts through roles with the Joint Accelerator Collaboration Website (JACoW) and the global Interactions Collaboration.
Prior to joining Neutron Sciences, Sumner led communications for national security research programs, producing targeted content and supporting international engagements across multiple countries. Earlier positions in technical editing, course development, and academic publishing strengthened her expertise in instructional design, editorial leadership, and communicating highly technical topics with clarity.
Sumner holds a Master of Arts in English (Rhetoric and Technical Writing). Her ongoing professional development includes training in AI-assisted writing, prompt engineering, and responsible use of emerging technologies for editorial applications.
Across ORNL and beyond, Sumner’s work reflects a commitment to clear communication, scientific integrity, and impactful storytelling that supports both the laboratory’s mission and the broader scientific community.
