Davidson Fellows are students under the age of 18 who have completed a significant piece of work in science, mathematics, technology, music, literature or philosophy. The work of a Davidson Fellow must have the potential to make a positive contribution to society. During the past six years, 90 Davidson Fellows have been recognized by the Davidson Institute and each Fellow has received a $50,000, $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship.
are some of the 2006 Davidson Fellows' positive contributions to society:
a new drug delivery method to increase the efficiency of
chemotherapy treatments, thereby controlling tumors in areas where surgery is not
Research in the field of number theory,
with results that have broad implications in cryptography, specifically to protect against identity theft.
mathematical formula having to do with airplane wing design on
airfoils that could aid in next generation aircraft design, aerodynamics, heat flow and fluid dynamics.
Determined how to improve diagnostics in the field of medicine
by using new contrast agents that make magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) more effective.
Used antimicrobial properties from bees’
honeystomachs to create a preventative measure protecting honeybees
from the fatal American Foulbrood Disease (AFB), which affects the
pollination of billions of dollars in agriculture crops worldwide.
an analytical method for estimating a brown dwarf’s age and mass, which can help unlock clues about stellar evolution and formation and the history of our galaxy.
a computational tool to analyze genetic sequence variability in humans
for a better understanding of the genetic basis of Alzheimer's
disease, autism and bipolar disorder.
a literary portfolio exploring
the search for truth and beauty through depictions of human
interaction and the interactions of the larger cosmos.
the gene responsible for colorblindness in mice with results that may help people with achromatopsia 2, the most severe form of colorblindness.
a prodigious musical portfolio of classical guitar compositions
with the hope of expanding classical music fans' appreciation for
Contributions of Davidson Fellows recognized since
an effective method of treating malignant
glioma, the deadliest
form of brain cancer, combining chemotherapy and gene therapy.
the physics of dust particles to aid in the design of
exploration and support systems for Martian spaceflight missions.
the relationships of specific proteins in the human immune system in
order to develop more effective treatments for HIV patients.
new insights in how DNA
“bends” under certain circumstances to form RNA, providing a
foundation for future research in nanotechnology and
existence of a super-massive black hole in a neighboring galaxy
found by analyzing NASA data studying the amount of radiation
emitted from Centaurus A.
connection as to why people gravitate toward religion.
mathematical modeling of
gasoline sprays to reduce automobile emissions.
Utilized the herb
fenugreek as a cost-effective, safe and natural way to preserve
fruits and vegetables, and as a non-toxic water purifier.