Manchester University Professor of Chemistry Kathy Davis competed on Jeopardy on Tuesday, July 9. 

Though she didn’t win, Davis remarked that participating was “a joyful experience from beginning to end.” 

She took an early lead, answering the first question of the game correctly, and ended the first round in second place with $3,800. After Final Jeopardy, in the category “Literature,” Davis ended the game with $2,000. 

Davis has been a fan of the game show since childhood. “In kindergarten, I renegotiated my bedtime with my parents so that I could stay up until the very late hour of 8 p.m. to watch,” she said. “Family and friends encouraged me to try out for years, but I always made some kind of excuse. But the longer I've worked with students and as I raise my own kids, I've started noticing how often I tell them not to close themselves off from experiences because they are afraid to fail, and how seldom I follow my own advice.” 

Davis joined Manchester’s faculty in 2010, teaching introductory chemistry, general chemistry and physical chemistry. She is also the MU Science Olympiad Invitational coordinator and a flutist in the Manchester Symphony Orchestra, which she spoke about with host Ken Jennings during a short break.

“It means a lot to become part of the show’s history and to have the opportunity to work with Ken Jennings and the production team, who are all gracious people who clearly love what they do,” Davis said. “It was great to meet the other contestants and for all of us to fulfill this dream together.” 

For the media 

Photo credit to Jeopardy Productions, Inc.  

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