March 20, 2025
Fueling the future
Student explores the potential of fusion energyby Allyson Irish
As a youngster growing up in Garden City, New York, Avery Davis ’25 was fascinated by the stars and hoped to one day travel to outer space.
“I would lie outside in the grass behind my house for hours and get lost in the sky above,” she recalls. “I really wanted to become an astronaut and understand more about planets.”
While she hasn’t yet left Earth, the senior has already accomplished several remarkable objectives, among them writing a children’s book with her sister, Brinley, speaking at a recent TEDx PA event, and landing a summer internship where she learned about fusion energy.
Davis enthusiastically believes fusion energy can be a viable source of power in the future. During her internship at Commonwealth Fusion Systems—a Massachusetts-based company aimed at creating a global “energy revolution”—she also learned more about the public concerns and misperceptions of fusion energy, especially when the word term “nuclear” is used.
The book Fusion Nova was written by Avery Davis '25 with illustrations by her sister, Brinley.
“The word nuclear simply means ‘relating to the nucleus of an atom,’” Davis explains. “And fusion doesn’t produce long-lived radioactive waste. However, as soon as people hear the word ‘nuclear,’ they stop in their tracks.”
The need for a greater understanding of fusion energy was one of the reasons Davis chose to write Fusion Nova. The children’s book follows the exploits of a young girl named Stella who embarks on a magical journey to space where she learns about the power of the sun and how fusion energy is created.
“I truly believe storytelling is the most effective educational art form for children,” Davis says. “I hope my book will drive that spark in others through its creative storytelling and vibrant illustrations, and also to make fusion energy a household conversation topic.”
While at Andover, Davis has taken several science classes, her favorite being the advanced Biology Lab Research. Advised by biology instructor Austin Campbell, she spent two terms researching the molecular pathways behind coral bleaching. Davis says she appreciated “the freedom and support” to design such a project. Davis also had the opportunity last summer to take part in the Systems, Sustainability, and Social Impact Program through Learning in the World. The program took students to Geneva to meet with experts leading the charge on addressing systemic, global issues related to sustainability. (See top photo)
Not surprisingly, Davis plans to study physics or engineering in college and is eager to continue interdisciplinary learning, combining her interest in STEM with creative writing and perhaps even business or law.
“I really hope to use my knowledge for the greater good,” she says. “I definitely don’t have my entire future mapped out, or anything like that, but what I do know for certain is that I want to work in the climate space and be a leader in transitioning our planet away from fossil fuels.”
