Probably like a lot of people here, I did my PhD in Norman’s lab. His advice when I started was simple: “If you make a mistake, tell someone. We don’t want to spend years chasing a result that was done in error.” This piece of advice, delivered on my first day, has stuck with me for longest time and I think has helped make me a much more careful scientist than I otherwise might have been.
I’m sure I’m not the first to point out the incredible breadth of Norman’s work involving axon transport, development, barriers and spinal injury—even sailing. Norman has been not just a significant figure in neuroscience but also a significant figure in the scientific lives of all who have worked with him.
Among the many important perspectives Norman has been able to bring is the instilling of a healthy dose of skepticism in all things scientific, the ability to impart important lessons on a staggering array of topics, and a constant imploring to consider what is really important.
His incredible work ethic, persistence and willingness to throw himself into new fields and challenges should serve as an inspiration to us all. It has been truly an honour to learn from someone with such a deep and expansive perspective on a great many things. You couldn’t ask for a more supportive supervisor. Thank you.