LAUSR

I first came across Cris in my second-year undergraduate studies where he gave thoroughly enjoyable muscle lectures sprinkled with his trademark storytelling that I and others have come to appreciate. His enthusiasm for his work immediately sparked my interests into the wanders of muscle biology, and that given moment opened the door for me to pursue my undergraduate honours and PhD (2015) in his laboratory. Cris provided unparalleled support combined with the freedom to peruse research interests. He kept the lab a lively and buzzing environment with MSc and PhD students working on anything and everything from measuring heavy metal toxicity in drinking water, plasma-induced surface activation of medical devices, prostate cancer detection, to cardiac regeneration and muscle biophysics. All these projects were happening at the same time, so the diversity kept lab meetings fresh and us on our toes. This endless passion of his was likely attributed to the numerous inspiring “coffee break meetings” he held with his students and collaborators, resulting in his typical multidisciplinary approach to outstanding research. Even in “retirement” (and I say this loosely), he still manages to keep a good dozen projects going with his boundless energy. PhDs come with its ups and downs—a universal truth. However, a common theme as you will see from letters and commentaries written by his mentees in this series is that he always welcomed everyone into his lab with open arms. He always treated you as an equal and provided the resources to follow through with your ideas. He encouraged us to perform difficult experiments, learn from others (sent me visit and overseas labs several times) and give talks on the international platform. Cris would often challenge us with the phrase “you may be right” (i.e. you are most probably wrong) and “just do it”. More importantly he encouraged with support—he made the connections, introduction to authors of papers we read, and found the needed funding. To no one’s surprise, he talked the talk and walked the walk and continues to do so. Towards the end of my PhD, he referred to me as his colleague (not student, or ex-student) and has done so ever since. This is testament to how he treats people as individuals and as a scientist. He has provided unparalleled support ever since— written recommendation letters to my first job in science, to every fellowship and academic job application. In hindsight, Cris taught us how to live and breathe as a scientist and academic by example resulting in many of us to take on the challenge of becoming academics ourselves. We owe all of this to Cris dos Remedios. From the ~ 40 mentees, fourteen went on to become university academics, eight became doctors and four research scientists (industry/academia). Apologies if I have missed anyone. This brief list underpins his impact in science and the scientific community with some of his first students now in senior positions within universities and hospitals.