Michael Summers

Michael Summers is the Robert E. Meyerhoff Chair for Excellence in Research and Mentoring and a Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He is also an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the structural mechanisms of retroviral assembly, particularly HIV-1, with an emphasis on RNA packaging and viral genome recognition.

Dr. Summers received his Ph.D. from Emory University in 1984 and his B.S. from the University of West Florida in 1980. His laboratory employs nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study the structural biology of HIV-1 proteins and RNA interactions, with recent work focusing on dimerization-dependent RNA structural switch mechanisms that regulate genome packaging.

His research publications reveal a consistent focus on the structural basis of retroviral assembly, with particular emphasis on HIV-1 matrix protein-membrane interactions, RNA packaging signals, and the development of novel NMR methodologies for studying large RNA structures. His work spans both basic structural biology and translational applications for antiretroviral therapy development.

• Maryland Chemist of the Year (2004)
• AAAS Mentor of the Year Award (2003)
• Emily M. Gray Mentor Award (2003)
• White House Presidential Award for Science, Engineering and Math Mentoring (2000)
• National Academy of Sciences member
• Multiple NIH Merit Awards (1997-2015)

Dr. Summers is renowned for his exceptional mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. He partners with Baltimore-based Youth Works to provide summer research opportunities for 40-50 students annually. His laboratory has produced numerous successful scientists who have gone on to faculty positions at major research institutions. His funding includes continuous support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 1994 and multiple NIH grants focusing on NMR studies of retroviral proteins.

His laboratory operates at the Meyerhoff Chemistry/Biochemistry Building at UMBC, where he maintains an active research program studying retroviral assembly mechanisms while fostering one of the most diverse and successful undergraduate research training environments in the country.