The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to announce the publication of an editorial and accompanying interview pieces in Nature Astronomy, highlighting the experiences and contributions of neurodivergent researchers in astronomy. Dr. Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, Director of Communications at the Frist Center, played a pivotal role in supporting this important work and was featured as an interviewee.
The three-part series includes an editorial titled “Drawing on the full diversity of mind” and two interview pieces: “Neurodivergent in astronomy: the advanced-career researcher edition” and “Neurodivergent in astronomy: the early-career researcher edition.” These publications shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of neurodivergent astronomers and emphasize the importance of inclusion and diversity in scientific communities.
“Being recognized by a journal of this calibre is an important step forward in recognizing the full spectrum of cognitive diversity in science, and its great importance to discovery,” said Dr. Schonhut-Stasik. “By sharing our stories and experiences, we hope to inspire positive change and create more inclusive research environments and dismantle unhelpful structures.”
Dr. Schonhut-Stasik’s involvement in this project underscores the Frist Center’s commitment to advancing understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity across all scientific disciplines. Her insights, shared alongside those of other neurodivergent researchers, provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by neurodivergent individuals in astronomy and beyond.
Learn more about our staff’s involvement in media outreach through our media page.