John Davis, PhD, among inaugural SSR fellows

John Davis, PhD, professor and director of research and development for UNMC’s Olson Center for Women’s Health, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) senior research career scientist, is among 15 scientists worldwide to receive the inaugural Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) Distinguished Fellow award.

It is the highest professional honor from the society awarded for outstanding contributions to the scientific field of reproductive biology. Fewer than 2% of the entire SSR membership have earned the distinction of Distinguished Fellow.

SSR is the world’s leading association for supporting the scientific study of reproduction by fostering interdisciplinary communication among scientists, holding conferences and publishing original, meritorious studies to advance the science of reproduction, fertility and development for the benefit of humans and animals.

“It’s a wonderful honor to be recognized by my peers,” Dr. Davis said.

Dr. Davis maintains an active research program in the field of reproductive endocrinology with a focus on understanding mechanisms of hormone action in the ovary. His research touches on human and animal reproductive mechanisms and his prolific work can be found in 12 book chapters, countless continuing education materials and more than 164 journal articles. A sought-after peer reviewer and consultant, Dr. Davis is a reviewer for the National Institutes of Health, the VA, the Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and others.

He has mentored dozens of junior researchers over the 20 years he’s been at UNMC and considers it one of the most satisfying and important aspects of his career.

“They fuel a lot of excitement and bring new ideas. To watch and coach brand-new postdocs into becoming full-fledged investigators is very satisfying and makes me proud of their accomplishments,” Dr. Davis said. “I am fortunate to have the support of outstanding colleagues at UNMC and the VA in Omaha.”

His interest in reproductive endocrinology began in graduate school at the University of North Dakota and continued through his post-doctoral training at the Endocrine Laboratory at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Since 1983, Dr. Davis has obtained millions of dollars in funding from numerous funders including the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the USDA.

His body of work has far-reaching impact not just on issues of fertility, but on age-related diseases such as osteoporosis in women and the development of cancers.

“The hormones produced by the ovary have a dramatic impact on both males and females, affecting the bone, the heart and the brain — all of which are negatively impacted by diseases affecting normal ovarian physiology and aging,” Dr. Davis said.

Dr. Davis’ well-known and respected work continues to advance the field of reproductive endocrinology, which is why he was selected among his peers to receive one of the first inaugural SSR awards the group indicated.

“The Distinguished Fellows Program was established in order to recognize the members of SSR who demonstrate sustained high-impact research, leadership, service and mentorship,” said Francesco DeMayo, SSR president.

Distinguished Fellowship criteria include publishing a significant body of research in reproductive biology with transformative and enduring impact in the field, and 15 years of uninterrupted regular membership in SSR. Distinguished Fellows must also have a strong academic legacy with mentorship, as well as demonstrating leadership and service to SSR.