David Schauer, DVM, PhD

It is with a deep sense of loss and profound sadness that we regrettably acknowledge the sudden death of our friend and colleague, Dr David Schauer, on June 7, 2009—one day after his 48th birthday. David Schauer was known not only for his keen scientific mind but also as a friend whose empathy and compassion touched countless individuals, students, friends, and family. David's personality and nonjudgmental nature evoked a sense of genuine trust and caring. His students loved him for his openness, unpretentious manner, and ability to sit down with them to discuss research projects or talk about personal issues or life in general. As Carol, his wife of 25 years, noted, “David really built relationships with the people he interacted with. Even in peripheral committees he was involved in, people talked about how close they felt to him.” This sentiment is indeed echoed by the many scientific colleagues he interacted with at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) or those at the national and international level.