Brian Davis
2025 Fainting Robin Distinguished Scholar
In the 43 years that he has taught physics and astronomy at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Brian Davis has inspired generations of students and launched many careers in science. "The greatest lecturer I’ve ever had, a true inspiration," one student wrote. "By far the best professor I’ve ever had in my entire college career," wrote another. "I see myself as a servant of my students," Davis explained. "Although I work for them, I will never lower my standards. After all, some of them will be building our bridges, tunnels, piers and dams."
Brian Davis spent his first decade at UNCW conducting research in theoretical atomic physics, publishing precise calculations on two- and three-electron systems using a novel theoretical method. In 1992, Davis shifted his research interests to the interdisciplinary field of Archaeoastronomy, which he best described as "deducing the astrological knowledge of ancient cultures, and how they incorporated it into their culture." Davis joined the research program of Robert Preston of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to investigate sunlight and shadow interactions on spiral petroglyphs (rock carvings) at the solstices and equinoxes. Preston made national headlines in 1983 from his work at Petrified Forest National Park. He concluded that prehistoric native Americans used spiral petroglyphs nearly a millennia ago to mark the summer and winter solstices and the equinoxes. "Every society tries to put order in their universe," Preston told a reporter at the time. "We do it with science and this was their form of order." Davis and Preston have conducted field work in the American Southwest twice a year, at the solstices, for three decades. Preston notes that, "In all the years together, Brian proved not only to be a superb research partner, but an extraordinary human being of deep character." The groundbreaking research that grew out of their field work at 22 ancient rock art sites will soon be published.
Brian Davis leads by passionate example. This world-class scholar and devoted professor serves as a role model for all engaged academics. "Counting from my time as an undergraduate to my recent stint as Physics department chair, I’ve been in physics departments for 32 years," wrote UNCW physics professor Dylan McNamara. "Of all the professors I’ve seen in that time, Dr. Davis is without question, the most dedicated teacher of physics I have come across. His passion for helping students learn physics is an inspiration that I will maintain for the rest of my career."
