2006 W.G. Characklis Memorial Graduate Scholarship
 

Willy Davison, a PhD candidate in Chemical and Biological Engineering, has demonstrated uncommon leadership and dedication to the CBE. He has been a co-organizer of the CBE seminar series. He was one of three graduate student instructors for the CBE-based course "Microbes in the Environment." Willy’s heart and soul investment in this course was recognized and appreciated by the undergraduate students. He has also regularly volunteered to assist with CBE workshops. Willy has shown a generous willingness to train others in laboratory techniques and equipment use, and his constructive relationships with other students, staff, and faculty exemplify the level of teamwork to which the CBE aspires.

There is something else you need to know about Willy, that we can't claim about any other recipient. He even volunteered to be a horse's patootie!

When Phil Stewart became the CBE director in 2005, we wanted to officially hand the reins of the CBE over to him. So Willy and Betsey Pitts teamed up in a horse suit to become "CBE Biscuit" (like Seabiscuit, get it?).  Much to our delight, they box danced their way through tables, chairs and people to bring the reins to Phil. The entire time they were serenaded by Rick Veeh on guitar playing "I'm An Old Cowhand (from the Rio Grande)!" and Jeanne Olsen and Alessandra Agostinho on coconut percussion for "cloppity clop" sound effects.

So to the above list of Willy's great characteristics, add enthusiastic teamwork, fancy footwork, and the dexterity to follow a blind lead gracefully.

Congratulations Willy Davison recipient of the 2006 W.G. Characklis Award!

W.G. Characklis Scholarship