Rate My Professor Daniel Scott

Daniel Scott is the Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Chemistry Program at Centre College, where he joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 2017. He also serves as the Pre-Pharmacy Advisor. Prior appointments include assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at DePauw University for four years, visiting assistant professor of chemistry at Centre College for one year, and postdoctoral scholar in the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy through the NIH-funded Cancer Nanotechnology Training Center. Scott holds a BS in Chemistry from Georgetown College and a PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry from the University of Kentucky.

His research focuses on developing simple, accurate point-of-care diagnostic devices combining nanotechnology, biochemistry, and engineering for detecting disease biomarkers—such as nucleotides, proteins, and small molecules—in remote or underserved areas. Additionally, his group advances anti-cancer drug development and nanoparticle delivery systems that enable simultaneous therapy, diagnosis, and monitoring while reducing chemotherapy side effects. Funded by the NIH, NSF, and Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, Scott's projects have earned him the 2022 Centre Scholar award, NIH KY INBRE AREA Award, NSF KY EPSCoR Research Award, and SACP Undergraduate Research Program Award. Key publications include “Comparing Spectroscopic Techniques, Instruments, and Sample Preparation Protocols for the Analysis of Food Dyes in Sports Drinks” (Journal of Chemical Education, 2019), “Controlled Release of DNA Binding Anticancer Drugs from Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles” (International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2022), and “#StayCentred: Maintaining Personal Education at Centre College During COVID-19” (Journal of Chemical Education, 2020). His students frequently present at national conferences, enhancing the impact of his work in nanomedicine and analytical chemistry.