Scott Oakes

Scott Oakes is a Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on cell death mechanisms, particularly endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. He actively develops drugs targeting ER stress pathways for therapeutic applications.

• Education: B.A. in Biochemistry (Elmira College, 1993), M.D. in Medicine (University of Connecticut, 1998), Postdoctoral training in Biochemistry & Cell Biology (Harvard Medical School), Residency in Pathology (Harvard Medical School).

His research explores how cells undergo apoptosis under ER stress, linking this process to diseases like pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. He has pioneered studies on the unfolded protein response (UPR) and its implications for tumor survival and beta-cell health.

Recent publications highlight collaborations on SARS-CoV-2 ER stress interactions, PERK inhibition in diabetes, and UPR targeting in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. His work spans Cell Biology, Cancer Research, and Metabolic Diseases.

• Scientific Awards: 2023 NETRF Investigator Award, 2019 ASIP Outstanding Investigator, 2013 ASCI Member, and multiple NIH grants.

Oakes has led NIH-funded projects including Role of Pancreatic Elastase in Beta Cell Health (U01DK143494, 2025-2029) and Targeting UPR in PanNETs (R01CA219815, 2018-2023). He collaborates with institutions like NIH, Harvard Medical School, and UChicago.