Diana Cummings, Ph.D.
Responsibilities & Activities
As a program director in the Division of Digestive Disease and Nutrition at NIDDK, I support basic and translational research on bidirectional pathways and communication between the brain and gastrointestinal system that contribute to the regulation of food intake, nutrient sensing, and obesity in the context of gastrointestinal disorders. This portfolio encompasses research on central, autonomic, and bloodborne pathways, gastrointestinal interoception, and gut-brain-microbiome interactions involved in feeding behavior, digestive disorders, and the development of obesity. I also oversee Career Development (“K”) awards related to digestive diseases, nutrition, and obesity that include a neurobiology or neurogastroenterology focus.
Research Programs
Gastrointestinal Neurobiology
Research on the neural control of the gastrointestinal system.
Metabolism, Energy Balance & Obesity
Energy balance, thermogenesis, and the control of metabolism by the autonomic nervous system in obesity and diabetes.
Neurobiology of Obesity
Neurobiology of energy homeostasis and peripheral metabolism. Basic studies on homeostatic and hedonic contributions to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Neurobiology of food appraisal, motivation, memory and foraging.
Committees & Working Groups
- NIDDK Obesity Research Working Group, Member
- NIDDK Training Program Directors Committee, Member
- Office of Obesity Research Neuroscience Priorities Working Group, Co-Lead
Select Experience
Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, 2019-2022
Health Program Specialist, Repair & Plasticity Cluster, Division of Neuroscience, NINDS, NIH, 2013-2019
Research Fellow, Developmental Neural Plasticity Section, Division of Intramural Research, NINDS, NIH, 2010-2013
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 1997-2000
Ph.D., University of Virginia, 1997