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March 6, 2013

Christopher Davis was born in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, grew up in Honolulu and graduated from Damien Memorial School with honors in 1973. Chris then moved to Washington State and worked for Boeing.  As a young man in his 20s, he spent his free time at Theodore Jacobsen Observatory, and at the University of Washington, where he gained an interest in celestial views of the universe and space exploration.

Chris returned to Hawai‘i and earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in mechanical engineering in 1983.  He relocated to California for a few years, before moving to Merritt Island and starting his much beloved career at Kennedy Space Center (KPC). Chris earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Central Florida State University in Orlando, Florida in 1993.  

Chris was extremely proud to work on NASA’s shuttle space program and attended every shuttle launch. While working with NASA, he earned several awards, and played a major role in the investigation of the 2003 Columbia shuttle disaster.  For this work, Chris won the Space Flight Awareness Award, the shuttle program’s highest award, for developing two major projects that allowed the program to resume after suspension. After the shuttle program ended, Chris worked in NASA’s Materials Science Division, dealing with failure analysis.  

During his career, Chris also wrote and published several technical papers, and most recently, was completing advanced studies in software engineering.  Chris’ commitment to NASA, as a senior project manager and his contribution to KPC’s body of knowledge, has made a difference in the world of space exploration.

Chris’ civic interest throughout his life were mentoring and educating youth about science and space exploration. In the Islands, Chris was known, affectionately, as the “Rocket Man,” by the local media, who covered his trips “home” that often included high school visits to encourage students to learn more about science and to pursue careers in aerospace.  In 2006, he wowed Damien students with a full Apollo space mission suit, complete with helmet.  
    
In his free time, Chris participated in martial arts and was a member of Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi of Melbourne, Florida, where he participated in a number of tournaments.  Chris was also involved in several community activities, including Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross Disaster Assessment Team, and arranging for Army Warriors, undergoing medical care, to see a space shuttle launch and tour KPC.  In addition, he was an avid traveler, enjoyed nature and hiking, and loved crossword and other puzzles.

Chris departed this life at age 56 on March 21, 2012 in his home in Merritt Island, Florida.  

The Chris K. Davis Endowed Scholarship

In recognition of Chris’ life, his achievements, and his dedication to helping young people in Hawaii, his family has established the Chris K. Davis Endowed Scholarship at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Engineering.

This scholarship was created to encourage promising Hawai‘i school students, to pursue collegiate studies in science and engineering particularly aerospace, with preference to students from his beloved alma mater, Damien Memorial School, who have a proven high academic standard of excellence.

Questions? / More Information

If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808 376-7800 or send us a message.