Mike Davidson, head of the lab's Optical Microscopy program and trailblazing researcher in the study of cell biology, passed away on December 24, 2015.
Davidson, a MagLab researcher, photographer, mentor and entrepreneur, was 65 years old.
As one of the first researchers at the National MagLab, Davidson established and advanced a microscopy program that was at the center of over 100 publications and 600 journal or magazine covers.
Known around the world for his groundbreaking work on florescent proteins, Davidson developed techniques that helped scientists understand how proteins interact within distinct parts of a living cell. His lab donated over 5,000 unique florescent protein plasmids to Addagene in 2014, the largest donation of its kind. His work on florescent proteins is also credited with providing a "missing link” for Eric Betzig on his Nobel Prize winning microscope technology known as photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM).
Zoom in past the research and awards, though, and what you'll find in Mike Davidson is a teacher. Davidson worked directly with over 500 young scientists throughout his career, but impacted countless others through the development of websites, articles and textbooks that advanced the understanding and use of microscopes. Working in partnership with microscope companies, Davidson tested new instruments and built online training modules. His Molecular Expressions website features one of the world's largest collections of photo-micrographs and has become a go-to primer for those interested in learning about microscopy.
Davidson's beautiful photo-microscopy was also design inspiration for fashion in the late 1990s. Images of pharmaceuticals, ice cream and cocktails under the microscope were used on neckties, scarves, coasters and other unique products and are still licensed and sold today through http://www.bevshots.com/.
Text by Kristin Roberts
Remembrances
"The caliber of Mike's microscopy research was known internationally. But perhaps even more than that, Mike took pride in the many students he brought back into higher education, thereby launching their scientific and technical careers and building a legacy that will live on for generations."
— MagLab Director Greg Boebinger
"Once in a while we're very fortunate to meet certain people in our lives that not only makes us a better person, but also that just perhaps, can also change the world for the better. Michael was certainly that inspiration to me.
I remember back in the early 90's, receiving a package and a note from Michael saying, "would I like to put vitamins onto ties". At first I thought it was somewhat strange until I looked at his microscopic images of what they actually did looked like under a microscope. I thought it was brilliant and amazingly beautiful and thought, I couldn't get a designer to create more beautiful designs. Within one year, Michael and I were developing new ideas and concepts which throughout the years helped to raise large funds for worthy cause related organizations. In almost every single collection, the impact throughout the industry was always exciting and the positive media never stopped.
With Michael's help and our vision together, Stonehenge went on to create some of the most exciting neckwear programs in our industry which was sold throughout America. At one time, I was even asked to meet with the British Prime Minister's wife in England, Norma Majors, who complimented my company on helping to raise funds for victims of drunk drivers. The Cocktail Collection went on to become one of the best selling lines of neckwear in the country.
"Yes, Michael was an amazing man and truly offered so much to so many. One thing for sure, the world of fashion may never look the same in my eyes without seeing those amazing beautiful glittering crystal images that only Michael could create and bring to life."
— Irwin Sternberg, President / Chief Marketing Officer, Stonehenge Licensing Consultants LLC