The College of Medicine celebrates a Research Rising Star who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to health-related research. A Research Rising Star is in the top tier of career benchmarks among peers. A Research Rising Star demonstrates excellence in:

• Publication record and impact of the publications
• Extramural funding record
• Recognition as an expert in his or her research area, as evidenced by invited presentations at national or international meetings or venues, recognition by and service with sponsors or professional societies, or other means of recognition
• Additional attributes that set the recipient above his peer group

Following review of the nomination packets by seven faculty researchers, we are pleased to announce the FY 2021 recipients:

Steve Davidson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Anesthesiology

Steve Davidson, Ph.D. joined the Department of Anesthesiology as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in 2015. He has obtained and secured extramural funding from NIH and private foundations. His research is currently supported by 2 R01s as Pl and 3 R01s as co-investigator. He has obtained a provisional patent for a new opioid overdose antidote and is co­ founder of a startup through the UC Innovation Hub. He has recently contributed to our understanding of how COVID-19 attacks the nervous system and his lab is focused on generating new knowledge about the neurobiology of pain and itch from the peripheral nervous system and the brain. He is a strong contributor to the Neuroscience Graduate Program and is primary advisor to 4 graduate students and sits on a large number of dissertation and qualifying exam committees. Dr. Davidson is innovative, tireless and consistent, high quality, productive research scientist whose contribution to the field of pain and neuroscience should be recognized.