Neil was a great colleague and mentor to me. We used to share a lab in the Smith building and our groups had many social activities together. He was very passionate for research, which influenced my research a lot.  He was a very friendly, genital, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable person. He liked to help people with his great knowledge, and I received much helpful advice from him during my early research career. This news is so shocking, sad & very hard to believe. My sincere condolences to Neil’s family. Neil will be missed by me and many other colleagues who have worked with him.