John Davis is, of course, a scientist. What is important is that he is also a Zetetic. To be both is to make for a very qualified and respectable flat Earth spokesperson.
What makes a scientist? It's to have qualifications in one of several disciplines and get a paycheck in at least one of them.
What makes a Zetetic? To have a much more complex, impressive, and depth of understanding well advanced beyond the simple task of achieving the scientist label. Paycheck not required.