Dr. Freeman has developed a comprehensive lab document that describes goals for lab culture, expectations, collaboration, leadership and many issues related to maintenance of a lab environment that focus on communication, productivity and work-life balance. This common document sets the stage for discussions among all in the lab. Dr. Freeman’s trainees spoke of his ability to meet them on their level, to both motivate them and help elevate their accomplishments beyond what they thought they were capable of, and to encourage their interests and passions to delve deeper into their individual scientific curiosities. His efforts to support and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the lab are also reflected in his actions as Director of the Vollum Institute. Dr. Freeman's research program focuses on understanding glial biology: his goal to develop a deep mechanistic understanding of glial cell biology and neuron-glia signaling in the nervous system is intended to reveal fundamental principles of nervous system physiology and help determine how physiological mechanisms go awry in disease.