Dr. Brian L. Davis Marine Biology, Conservation, and Education Scholarship Fund

About Dr. Brian L. Davis

Brian L. Davis, Ph. D., was the president and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Brian dedicated his life to education and environmental stewardship, leaving an indelible imprint on the fields of education, marine biology, and the zoo and aquarium community. He was a beautifully compassionate person who was a lifelong learner and always pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

An inspiring trailblazer, Brian was the first Black CEO of an aquarium and was the first Black chairman of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums board. He was dedicated to creating more inclusive, caring and diverse spaces and opportunities in marine science.

As a former teacher and administrator in the Cobb County school system in Georgia, Brian was a fierce advocate for public education. He also served as an adjunct professor at the College of Education at Georgia State University and Mercer University.

Under Brian’s leadership, the Georgia Aquarium became the first aquarium designated as a Certified Autism Center, creating more welcoming opportunities for those with sensory sensitivities. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution named the aquarium a Top Workplace and awarded it the DEI Award.

The Dr. Brian L. Davis Marine Biology, Conservation, and Education Scholarship Fund, sponsored by Georgia Aquarium, honors Brian’s legacy by awarding a $20,000 scholarship, payable over four years ($5,000 per year), to a high school senior pursuing an undergraduate degree in the fields of marine biology, conservation or science education.

Application Details

Application Process

• Complete the online application form.
• Complete a 1,000-word or less essay on the following topic:
• Marine Biodiversity: What are the current most significant threats to marine biodiversity? Explore and discuss three innovative, science-based practices or solutions to address the marine biodiversity crisis. Please highlight which of these solutions you believe will have the most significant impact in mitigating the environmental challenges while still supporting people and coastal communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihood.
• Essay should follow APA style.
• Upload two letters of recommendation from a professional reference. Examples include a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, or work supervisor.
• Upload a copy of the student’s high school transcript, indicating a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Upload a resume.

Eligibility

• High school senior attending a public school in the United States.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Enrolling at a US-based college or university.
• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree* in one of the following fields:
• Conservation**
• Marine Biology
• Zoological Sciences
• Science Education
• The children of Georgia Aquarium employees and volunteers are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.

*Students who enroll at a 2-year college with the intention to transfer to a 4-year college or university are eligible.

** This includes degrees where Conservation is the concentration. For example, B.S. in Zoology with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation.

Additional Information

• The student recipient of the scholarship will receive the first year’s fund ($5,000) prior to the start of their college or university freshman year.
• The scholarship will automatically be renewed, providing the student continues to pursue the agreed-upon course of study and maintains a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• The scholarship will be paid directly to the college or university and can be used for the following purposes:
  • Tuition
  • Fees
  • Books
  • Room & Board
  • Meal Plans
  • Study Abroad/Field Work
• Authorization for Release of Educational Records: scholarship recipient will authorize their college or university to disclose their educational records, including but not limited to academic transcripts, enrollment status, GPA, and any other relevant information (excluding financial and disciplinary records), to Georgia Aquarium for the purpose of reviewing eligibility, executing the terms, and administering all aspects of the Scholarship.
• Scholarship recipient will agree to sign photo release documentation, allowing Georgia Aquarium to promote the scholarship.
• For any specific questions not addressed here, please contact scholarship@georgiaaquarium.org.