Steve Davis
Honorary:, PhD
One of the greatest feelings is witnessing the exact moment when a student finally understands a difficult concept. It is in those moments that I am reminded why I was called to teaching service.
Introduce yourself.
Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, along the banks of the Ohio River, I’m a lifelong West Virginian who now calls Morgantown home. When my unrealistic dream of becoming a heavy metal rock star opening for Iron Maiden dissipated, I was beyond grateful to have the opportunity to see my realistic dream of teaching come true. After 19 years conducting research in the WVU Department of Emergency Medicine, I accepted a faculty position in the School of Public Health in 2018. I’m an avid reader and collector of comic books (more than 7,600 books) and am married to my beautiful wife, Teresa, who helps me more than she will ever know.
What are your research interests and why did you choose to pursue them?
My research interests lie in the field of implementation and dissemination science. I am specifically interested in factors that both facilitate and prevent the diffusion of evidence-based therapies and programs within Appalachian populations. I chose to pursue this field of inquiry due to my desire to not only prevent loss of life but increase the quality of life of all West Virginians. Most recently, I have partnered with the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services to pilot a telehealth intervention that seeks to allow Medicaid participants returning to their communities from a long-term care facility to live and thrive at home with their families.
What is something you love about teaching?
One of the greatest feelings I’ve ever experienced is witnessing the exact moment when a student finally understands a difficult concept. The dawning recognition evident on their face and the accompanying sense of satisfaction and relief is one of the greatest moments I’ve ever had the privilege to witness. It is in those moments that I am reminded why I was called to teaching service.
What is an achievement of which you’re most proud?
I’m probably most proud of my epic dad jokes! In all seriousness, I am most proud of my former students who will write from time to time to let me know they have achieved their career goals and dreams. Those emails make my week!
What's your favorite ...
Book:
The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
Movie:
Patch Adams
Music Genre and/or Artist:
Heavy Metal/Iron Maiden!!!
Place You’ve Visited:
Rome, Italy. I absolutely loved the historical architecture and artwork.
Local Restaurant:
Cheese Louise
Thing To Do When You’re Not Working:
Read science fiction/fantasy novels and play dungeon crawlers on the iPad.
Anything else you’d like your future students to know you about you?
I will do everything I can to see you successfully through the public health program. All of my classes (and many other classes in the School) include, to the extent possible, real-world/marketable skills that can be listed on your resume.