Happy Retirement Dr. Davis!

Dr. George Davis
BAHS celebrated the career of Dr. George Davis , associate professor, with a send-off on May 3 in 108 Hartline.  The afternoon began with a seminar delivered by Dr. Davis entitled "Further characterization of AvsYS1-an Iron Transporter Gene from Oats (Avena sativa)."  Dr. Davis summarized research that he and his students have conducted in plant molecular biology at BU over the past 23 years.  Following the seminar, Dr. Davis was surprised with a retirement party with BAHS faculty, students, and family members. The highlight was a video organized by Dr. Davis's current graduate student Jerome Betz III that featured fun memories, much humor, well-wishes, and even a simulated office clean out!  A reception was enjoyed by all in Hartline Lobby.

Dr. Davis began his career at Bloomsburg University in 1996.  He earned his B.A. and M.S. at Southern Illinois University and his Ph.D. in plant molecular biology at the University of Illinois, Champaign -Urbana.  Dr. Davis's lab has investigated an iron transporter from oats with a goal of developing a targeted delivery system of growth effector molecules to various crop species, Dr. Davis and his collaborators were awarded a patent in  April, 2017  for “A ‘Trojan Horse' targeted delivery system for crop species”  and a provisional patent in April 2018 for “Compositions and Methods for Delivery of Molecules to Plants.” This patent describes the use of plant genetic engineering to make antibodies to affect plant growth and development. Dr. Davis has received multiple grants (~$20,000) from Bloomsburg University and the BU Foundation to support his research. Dr. Davis's research in plant molecular biology has always been student-centered. Many of his students have gone on to graduate school or to successful careers in biology.

At Bloomsburg University, Dr. Davis has taught classes in Molecular Biology, Cells Genes & Molecules, Ecology and Evolution, and Bioinformatics. As a teacher, he is known for his enthusiasm for science, incorporating new breakthroughs in biology, and his ability to engage students. As a colleague, we appreciated his warmth, generosity, and sense of humor. Dr. Davis will retire to Illinois with his wife Laura Davis, J.D.,  Professor of  Business Law at BU.  We will miss you Dr. Davis!



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