2006 Medal Awarded to Robert H. Davis '78

The UC Davis College of Engineering and the Cal Aggie Engineering Alumni Association have awarded the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal to Dr. Robert H. Davis, Dean of the Engineering College and Patten Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado. He is internationally known for his work in biotechnology and the hydrodynamics of complex fluids.

Davis received his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the UC Davis College of Engineering in 1978 and was awarded the University Medal after an undergraduate career of distinction. After an equally distinguished graduate career at Stanford University, Davis has contributed substantially to his field as a researcher and educator, earning the respect of colleagues in chemical engineering and higher education.

Davis has been a tireless advocate in his field, organizing symposia, workshops and programs that promote chemical engineering, research, industry collaboration, student training and internships.

He has published over 150 papers on chemical engineering research topics and education.

Dr. Davis also is widely respected by students for his teaching, offering compelling lectures and demonstrations, maintaining the highest standards, while also treating his students with fairness and compassion. He is an outstanding mentor, spending countless hours helping students and young faculty to think critically, learn through discovery and communicate effectively. Davis also has served as a faculty mentor to graduate students participating in a National Science Foundation-funded outreach program to local high schools and middle schools.

The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal is awarded annually at the June Commencement Ceremonies of the College of Engineering to an alumnus whose professional and personal achievements bring special honor to the College through distinguished service to the engineering profession and society.

Medal Created in Engineering Shops

For the first time, the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal itself was crafted close to home, fabricated by the College of Engineering Shops and the College's Northern California Nanotechnology Center.