“David exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding thesis advisor. His mentorship extends far beyond guiding experiments or data analysis – he is deeply invested in helping me understand not just what we do in science, buy why it matters. Whether pushing me to think critically about experimental design or encouraging me to craft a compelling narrative when presenting research, he has helped me grow as both a thinker and communicator. A defining feature of his mentorship is how he teaches the process of becoming a scientist – not just through knowledge, but through habits of mind. His roundtable lab tradition – where all members, including undergraduates – present a figure from their own data or from a paper they read, fosters discussion, community, and intellectual growth.”