
David has limited empathic abilities. He can sense the quality and strength of the emotions in people around him. Generally, his abilities are under his own control, but sometimes, raw outbursts of emotion are difficult or even impossible for him to ignore. With his abilities, Doctor Conrads can discern lies from truth, coax hidden guilt from sullen depression, and reveal regrets from misplaced anger. He cannot "read minds," but he is so well-practiced with his powers that he is often interpreted as a telepath.
David has a particular fondness for birds of prey, and in fact he owns a falcon named Augustus. He sometimes flies Augustus on the quad, and his obvious affection for the animal has led to the popular rumor on campus is that David can empathically communicate with birds. There is also a persistent scuttlebutt that Doctor Conrads once fought crime on the streets of Chicago (or, alternatively, New York, Seattle, or Houston) under the name Raptor.