Gustavo E. Davico passed away on June 30, 2011, in Vicksburg, where he resided. He was born Sept. 30, 1961, in Cordoba, Argentina. In 1987, Gustavo received his undergraduate degree and, in 1992, his doctorate in chemistry from the National University of Córdoba. During 1993-95 and 1998-2000, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Colorado.

In 2000, Gustavo joined the Chemistry Department at the University of Idaho (UI) in Moscow, Idaho, as an assistant professor. He researched the development of new techniques in physical organic chemistry. For example, he identified a better way to convert methane from natural gas to methanol.

He collaborated with colleagues around the world and published his discoveries in top chemistry journals. Gustavo also was a gifted teacher. He frequently received glowing evaluations from students.

In 2008, Gustavo joined the Environmental Lab at the Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, which provides science, technology and expertise in engineering and environmental sciences to other government agencies. He worked on numerous projects and supervised other staff.

Gustavo was an avid photographer. He liked to talk about the origins of the universe, which he could do in English, Spanish, Italian and German. His training gave him special expertise, but he always demonstrated great patience with his friends who were not scientists.

Gustavo was proud to be a naturalized U.S. citizen, but he remained very Argentine. With his friends, he loved to share barbecue beef, red wine and hours of conversation. He was a loving, supportive father to his sons, Ezequiel (Zeke), 22, and Guido, 19, who live in Washington and Maryland, respectively. Gustavo is survived in Argentina by four siblings, Pablo, Fernando, Carlos and Silvina; and his parents, Haydee and Pedro.

A memorial service will be held on July 19, 2011, at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Vicksburg, 1607 Cherry St. Interment will take place in Argentina.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the American Red Cross.