When a Principal Investigator (PI) is notified of an award, JHURA facilitates award account creation by reviewing it and discussing any issues that may need to be negotiated with a sponsor.
In addition to reviewing the legal terms of an agreement, JHURA also reviews agreements for compliance with financial and regulatory policies and procedures. After the negotiation, acceptance and signatory process is complete, JHURA facilitates award account creation.
Award documents often can be accepted as-is and accounts set up immediately. However, some (especially contracts) may require negotiation by JHURA to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
All awards must conform to University policies and procedures, and are therefore accepted by JHURA on behalf of the PI. When an award is accepted, JHURA workflows documentation needed for the award account to be created.
The University remains legally responsible for every award, although the PI assumes responsibility for the financial oversight and completion of the project work.
The JHURA Agreement Workflow System (JAWS) is the Johns Hopkins University Research Administration’s (JHURA’s) centralized, on-line database for tracking and managing all sponsored agreements, including negotiation, workflow and document storage.
Various issues arise during this process and some helpful resources are provided here. JHURA is the only office authorized to conduct negotiations and always involves the PI in the process as needed.
Learn more about standard agreement rates, types of accounts, and browse other JHU Financial Resources.
There are various activities associated with closing out a sponsored project or award and activities can vary from sponsor to sponsor.
Learn the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Award Management.
Visit our Documents and Forms for Award Management page for more details.
JHURA Contracts group aims to review and negotiate agreement terms and conditions balancing timeliness with the need to remain consistent with the policies and objectives of the University. Each Contracts Associate has a portfolio of schools, centers and units and negotiates a variety of agreements falling within their portfolio. Each Associate works closely with departmental administrators, staff, and faculty, to ensure the agreement complies with the intent of those doing the research or work and University policies. Given the complexity, Associates often work closely with other University offices prior to finalizing the agreements. Contact your departmental JHURA representative with any questions or concerns.
Marcy DeSantis, JD, MBA
Associate Director, Contracts
mdesant9@jhu.edu
667-208-8780
Christina Boffen, JD
Assistant Director, Contracts
cboffen1@jhu.edu
667-208-8774
Tiffany Lutskus, JD
Assistant Director, Contracts
tlutsku1@jhu.edu
443-927-3338
Cynthia Polasko, JD
Sr. Contracts Associate
cpolask1@jhu.edu
667-208-8801
Jake Fishman, JD, MLPP
Sr. Contracts Associate
jfishma8@jhu.edu
667-208-8787
Kristy Williams, JD
Contracts Associate
kwill251@jhu.edu
667-208-8963
Scott Black, JD, MS
Contracts Associate
sblack40@jhu.edu
443-927-1268
Michelle Denton Llera, JD
Contracts Associate
mdenton6@jhu.edu
443-927-3171
Jonathon Berry, JD
Contracts Associate
jberry41@jhu.edu
443-927-3341
Armani Bridges, JD
Contracts Associate
abridg15@jhu.edu
443-927-3595
Jessica Barbour-Laubach
Contracts Associate
jlaubac2@jhmi.edu
667-208-8878
Amy Pickering, JD, MPH
Contracts Associate
apicker8@jh.edu
667-208-8016