Roger E. Davis

Roger E. Davis, professor of psychology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and research scientist in the Mental Health Research Institute, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on June 30, 1994, after a productive career as a neuroscientist.Born in Wisconsin, Professor Davis received his B.S. degree (zoology) and his M.S. degree (fisheries studies) from the University of Michigan in 1954 and his Ph.D. degree (zoology) from the University of Wisconsin in 1961. He joined the University of Michigan as a research associate in the Department of Fisheries in 1961 and became an instructor in physiology in the Department of Zoology in 1963. From 1964-66, he served as a postdoctoral fellow and assistant research zoologist at the Mental Health Research Institute (MHRI), where he worked on biochemical correlative behavior in goldfish. During that time, he participated in important experiments that led to the conclusion that a protein synthesis was required for the formation of long-term memory. He was promoted to associate research psycho biologist in 1966, associate professor of psychology in 1969, research psycho biologist in 1971, and professor of psychology in 1974.Continuing as a behavioral neuroscientist, Professor Davis worked on fish behavior, making important contributions to fish anatomy as well. His laboratory served as a research setting for biopsychology graduate students. Together with Professor R. G. Northcutt, he edited the two-volume series, Fish Neurobiology, published by the University of Michigan Press in 1983. Professor Davis' avocation as an artist enriched the neuroscience community. His meeting posters and reprint card designs contributed to the cohesiveness of the interdisciplinary programs housed in the Neuroscience Building and the Mental Health Research Institute.The Regents now salute this distinguished educator and scientist for his dedicated service by naming Roger E. Davis professor emeritus of psychology and research scientist emeritus.