Roger Davis, Ph.D Lectureship
Dr. Roger Davis was born Jan. 6, 1945, in New York City and grew up in New York. He attended the University of Delaware, where he received a BS in organic chemistry and then went on to Washington State University where he received his Ph.D. Before moving to San Diego State University, Dr. Davis trained with Dr. Fred Kern at the University of Colorado Medical School in Denver and then was a tenured professor at the Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans.
Dr. Roger Davis was a founding member of the Kern Lipid Conference, and professor emeritus of biology at San Diego State University. At SDSU he directed a world class research program in cardiovascular molecular biology, focusing on lipid metabolism by the liver and its role in cardiovascular disease. Rogers's research focused on the areas of lipid-specific gene expression, which led to the development of novel gene therapies that were patented during Roger's tenure at SDSU.
Roger was recognized worldwide as a leader in cardiovascular research. His accomplishments were evident in the form of over 200 scientific research papers published in the top journals in the field and numerous awards, such as the 2000 Duff Memorial Lectureship, awarded annually by the American Heart Association to a cardiovascular researcher who has made outstanding research contributions in the field. Additional recognition of the excellence and impact of his research include the continual, uninterrupted support he received from the National Institutes of Health for over 25 years. Roger was also an associate editor of the Journal of Lipid Research
In addition to his outstanding work as a researcher, Roger loved teaching at all levels, including undergraduate and graduate students. Roger mentored numerous masters and doctoral students during his career, and always enjoyed individual interactions with the students, especially when designing and analyzing experiments that were part of student masters theses and doctoral dissertations.
Roger Davis passed away on June 17, 2008 after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Roger lived life with great passion, enthusiasm and optimism. He always encouraged those around him, and served as a role model through his unwavering positive and hopeful attitude. He will be remembered for the joy he obtained from every moment he lived. In his memory the Kern Board has established an award for transitional faculty.
Scholarship Fund
The Davis family has established a scholarship fund in memory of Roger Davis. The family requests donations to a scholarship fund for graduate students pursuing careers dedicated to the treatment of cancer and lipid diseases.
Send contributions to:
Roger Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 48
Solana Beach, CA 92075