Gabriel Davila-Campos, a third-year student, was just awarded the very selected “Scholarship in Action” award by Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies.
The $6,000 scholarship recipients have not only maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher, but they have also demonstrated their commitment to scholarship in action throughout their academic journey.
“In receiving this award, I’m reminded of my unwavering dedication to knowledge acquisition and my intent to make a significant difference in the world,” Davila-Campos reflects. ”For me, it underscores the importance of translating academic achievement into real-world impact. It also reminds me of the vast network of support I’ve received throughout my time at Syracuse University.”
Davila-Campos is studying Applied Data Analytics with a special focus on Information Security Management while also minoring in Innovation, Design, Start-Ups, and Computer Engineering.
“My academic path at Syracuse started with a keen interest in technological entrepreneurship, but my goals have since expanded,” he notes. “I’m gearing up to be a data scientist, particularly concentrating on space exploration and observing our planet. I envision teaming up with giants like NASA to interpret extensive datasets, enriching our comprehension of our universe and our role within it.”
Last year, Syracuse featured Davila-Campos’ undergraduate path in an article about his ability to combine technology, entrepreneurship, and academic prowess. The account described how his achievement was not a straight line, but rather one distinguished by tenacity.
Davila-Campos, who was born and raised in Miami to a Nicaraguan mother, is a trailblazing first-generation university student. The POSSE Foundation provided him with a full-tuition scholarship at Syracuse. During his academic years, he also launched Pro-Tech, a firm that uses blockchain technology to provide digital security solutions to the average consumer.
Despite the hurdles that come with being a first-generation university student, Davila-Campos is committed to his academic goals and larger ideals. His story of perseverance is ever-changing.
“One recent development I’m excited about is a potential collaboration with Professor Sam Tuttle in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His current research, funded by NASA, focuses on satellite remote sensing of snowmelt. We are in discussions about how I might contribute to his ongoing research. The prospect of merging my passion for data analytics with space exploration research is thrilling,” shares Davila-Campos.
Building on this momentum, Davila-Campos continues, “I’m enthusiastic to share that I’ll be joining the iSchool as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Under the guidance of Professor Carsten Oesterlund, I’ll contribute to the Gravity Spy project. This opportunity allows me to further delve into human-centered design, interaction techniques, and citizen science, collaborating with around 30,000 volunteers globally. This role resonates deeply with my ambition to merge data science with broader earth and space explorations.”
“As I continue my academic journey, I strive to remain adaptable and open to new opportunities,” he adds. “While my past has been rich with experiences in entrepreneurship and technological innovation, I am eager to dive deeper into the realm of data science, especially as it pertains to space and earth studies.”
