>> "In the fall of 2015, he took a refresher course in the conduct
  >> of science, which covered topics such as ethics and misconduct."
  
  > It "reminded him"?

I wonder what prompted him to take a refresher course in a subject covering ethics and misconduct?

It suggests that he had misgivings, and took a refresher course to determine whether his fears were justified, or whether this was a normal part of academic life. Or perhaps he took the course to give himself a rationale for raising the issue.