David E. Cummings

Dr. David E. Cummings is a Professor of Biology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in San Diego, California, where he has been teaching since 2004. His expertise spans multiple areas of microbiology, with a particular focus on how bacteria interact with their environments and share genetic information that contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Cummings received his academic training at:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Idaho
• B.A. in English Literature from Point Loma Nazarene College (PLNU)

As a microbiologist, Dr. Cummings specializes in microbial ecology, microbial physiology, and microbial genomics. His research primarily investigates how bacteria share genetic information, particularly information that makes them less susceptible to antibiotics and better suited to cause disease. He has conducted significant research on iron-reducing bacteria and their role in environmental systems, including contaminated sites. Dr. Cummings also teaches Neotropical Ecology, which includes a two-week field excursion to the rain and cloud forests of Costa Rica, demonstrating his commitment to experiential learning.

Dr. Cummings' publication record reveals a consistent focus on environmental microbiology, particularly examining bacterial communities in contaminated environments and their capacity for metal reduction. His work spans from fundamental microbial ecology to applied environmental remediation, with particular emphasis on how bacteria interact with metals like chromium and arsenic in polluted systems. A significant thread throughout his research is the study of horizontal gene transfer mechanisms that contribute to antibiotic resistance in environmental settings.

Dr. Cummings is actively involved in mentoring PLNU student researchers and serves as an external manuscript reviewer for numerous scientific journals. He also periodically reviews grant proposals for the National Science Foundation. As a member of the American Society for Microbiology since 1997, he maintains strong professional connections in his field. Beyond his academic work, Dr. Cummings has contributed to discussions on mental health, particularly within religious contexts, drawing from his personal experience with generalized anxiety disorder.