PhD Program - Open Conversations with Assoc. Prof Scott Summers

Dr. Scott Summers is the Program Director of Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School's Integrated Biology and Medicine PhD program in Singapore.
Duke-NUS launched its inaugural PhD program in Integrated Biology and Medicine (IBM) in August 2010. The program distinguishes itself from others in Singapore and abroad by emphasizing training in translational bioscience, preparing cutting edge researchers to take their research findings from "bench to bedside."
About A/Prof Summers: His integrated laboratories at these two locations study the relationship between the accumulation of ectopic fats during obesity with the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In particular, Dr. Summers' group made the observation in 2007 that a particular derivative of fat, termed ceramide, is one of the more toxic metabolites which accumulates in the obese. His current efforts are directed at assessing the therapeutic potential of modulating levels of ceramides in the treatment of metabolic diseases and elucidating the molecular networks controlling ceramide production and action. Prior to joining the Stedman Center Dr. Summers held faculty appointments at Colorado State University and the University of Utah, and he conducted postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania. He has received grant support from the National Institutes of Health, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, the National Medical Research Council of Singapore, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) of Singapore.