Contact

Dr. Frank Summers

Space Telescope Science Institute

3700 San Martin Dr

Baltimore, MD 21218

Email: franksummers at franksummers.net

Twitter: http://twitter.com/franksummers

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Frank Summers is an astrophysicist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, MD. He received his undergraduate degree in Physics from Virgina Tech, and his Masters and Ph.D in Astronomy from the University of California at Berkeley. After achieving his degrees, he did research on cosmology and galaxy formation at Princeton and Columbia Universities, specializing in supercomputer simulations. He then shifted his career emphasis to the public presentation of astronomy while at the Hayden Planetarium in New York, before joining Space Telescope.

His work in the Office of Public Outreach presents the results of the Hubble Space Telescope and general astronomy to the public through news media, web sites, educational programs, museums, and planetariums.  As one of only a few professional astronomers working in outreach, his expertise spans a broad range from public astronomy presentation and scientific visualization to high performance computing and research astrophysics.  An example of his breadth of knowledge and presentation skill can be seen in his work as curator of the travelling exhibt "Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery" in collaboration with the American Libraries Association.

A particular specialty is the use of research data and supercomputer simulations combined with Hollywood-level animation and rendering techniques to create scientific visualizations that are both accurate and aesthetic.  Of note, Dr. Summers was a writer, science advisor, and scientific visualization supervisor on the IMAX film "Hubble 3D". This widely acclaimed film features 12 minutes of scientific visualizations, has grossed more than $20 million at the box office, and was awarded Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Lifelong Learning Film by the Giant Screen Cinema Association in 2010. Previously, he directed, co-wrote, and created the 3D visualizations for the IMAX short film "Hubble: Galaxies Across Space and Time".  This work won the Large Format Cinema Association's Best Short Film award in 2004. His work can also be seen in the Academy Award nominated IMAX film "Cosmic Voyage" (Best Documentary, Short Subject 1996). On "Cosmic Voyage", he provided supercomputer data sets and assisted the scientific visualization team on a four minute sequence. He also served on the film's Scientific Advisory Committee.

Formerly, Dr. Summers was the lead astronomer in developing the exhibits for the opening of the $200 million Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History. During this re-birth of the Hayden Planetarium, he and his fellow curators developed and presented the modern view of the solar system many years in advance of the official astronomy reclassification of Pluto. That 21st century viewpoint is covered in detail in Dr. Summers' 24 lecture DVD course from the Teaching Company entitled "New Frontiers: Modern Perspectives on the Solar System".

An unusual aspect for an astrophysicist is Dr. Summers' extensive artistic background. During and after high school he was a competitive ice dancer, eventually becoming nationally ranked and representing the US in international competitions. During college, he was director, choreographer, and soloist with Virginia Tech Dance Theatre. During his graduate studies, he was an accomplished ballroom dancer, and Team Leader of the National Collegiate Team champions. He also has earned a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Dr. Summers lectures widely to the public, students, and for teacher training at levels from Kindergarten through college. He can be seen on the internet in a video podcast called "Hubble's Universe Unfiltered" and is the host of the monthly public lecture series at Space Telescope. He has also consulted on numerous books and television documentaries.

Other biographical sketches:

• Professor biography at the Teaching Company web site
• Meet Your Host at Hubble's Universe Unfiltered video podcast web site
• Career profile at Be What I Want To Be web site

Pictures

	Dr. Frank Summers, September 2006 low resolution (480 x 640 pixels, JPEG, 100 kb) high resolution (1920 x 2560 pixels, JPEG, 932 kb)
	Dr. Frank Summers hosting the STScI public lecture series, January 2007 low resolution (640 x 480 pixels, JPEG, 65 kb) high resolution (2400 x 1800 pixels, JPEG, 620 kb)