Learning from Davo: A Trainee’s Reflection on Scientific Generosity and Mentorship

Dr. David J. “Davo” Mangelsdorf is widely recognized for pioneering discoveries that transformed our understanding of nuclear receptor biology and endocrine physiology. Equally important, though less often described, was his extraordinary generosity as a mentor, collaborator, and scientific leader. This commentary reflects on his profound influence on my scientific development during my postdoctoral training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. As the scientific community reflects on Davo’s remarkable career following his untimely passing in 2025, this personal perspective honors a legacy defined not only by his scientific discoveries, but also by the generations of scientists he inspired and empowered.