LoginsBy Dr. John Mateja, President
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation wishes to recognize the mentoring contributions of Dr. David A. Dixon (1949–2026), an internationally respected chemist, an extraordinary mentor, and a deeply kind and generous person whose passing leaves a significant void in the scientific community.
Dr. Dixon received a B.S. with Honors in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University. With an h-index of 107, he published over 900 papers that have more than 53,000 citations. He was elected a Fellow of the American Chemical Society, the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the European Academy of Sciences.
After several decades working in industry and national labs, Dave joined the faculty of The University of Alabama in January 2004, where he held the Robert Ramsay Chair in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry until his passing. He was also an Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor. His research spanned computational electronic structure theory, catalysis, nuclear energy and environmental chemistry, fluorine chemistry, heavy-element chemistry, hydrogen storage, rocket fuels, and geochemistry.
During his first year at Alabama, Dave began mentoring undergraduate students conducting research through the Computer-Based Honors Program, now known as the Randall Research Scholars Program. He also mentored hundreds of other undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in academia, industry, medicine, and other professions. Twelve of his students received a Goldwater Scholarship between 2004 and 2026.
Dave invested extraordinary time and energy in helping his mentees build confidence, independence, and a strong work ethic. He cared deeply about the success and well-being of his students and dedicated himself fully to their growth and development. In every role he held, he was known for his discipline, his thoroughness, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration, bringing together scientists from diverse disciplines and institutions to address complex scientific challenges.
His influence lives on through the many scientists, educators, and professionals who carry forward both his knowledge and his values. The Foundation is grateful for all that he gave to his students, and it extends its sympathy to his family, his colleagues, and the many people whose work he shaped.
The following twelve Goldwater Scholars were mentored by Dr. David A. Dixon:
- 2026: Kathleen Butler
- 2024: Jackson Maxwell
- 2018: Donna Xia
- 2013: Joshua Moon
- 2012: Stephen Walker
- 2011: Matthew Kelley
- 2011: Jessica Duke
- 2009: Rebecca Long
- 2007: Jackson Switzer
- 2007: Andrew Vincent
- 2006: Thomas Glenn Kelly
- 2004: Jason Spruell