Scott Cummins

Professor Scott Cummins is a molecular biologist at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), specializing in chemical communication mechanisms in marine and terrestrial organisms. He holds a PhD and BSc from Deakin University and has conducted postdoctoral research at The University of Texas Medical Branch and The University of Queensland. As Co-Director of the Centre for Bioinnovation and Theme Leader for Aquaculture Biotechnology, he leads projects integrating multi-omics approaches to study neuropeptides, toxins, pheromones, and enzymes in organisms like sponges, jellyfish, molluscs, and starfish. His work addresses ecological, aquaculture, and health applications, including pest control, coral reef conservation, and sustainable seafood production.

Research grants include studies on crown-of-thorns starfish pheromones, seaweed methane mitigation, and parasite-host interactions. He supervises PhD students in molecular biology and biotechnology, focusing on topics like mollusc communication, starfish secretomes, and sea cucumber reproduction. His lab, the UniSC Molecular Communication group, employs next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry for multi-omics analyses.

Teaching interests include molecular biology, aquaculture biotechnology, and biodiversity. Recent projects involve developing bioactive peptides for pest management and exploring the genetic basis of aestivation in land snails. Collaborations span institutions like the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.