Shows
Square Pegs21: What is The Largest Four Digit Number?Today, Arash Zaghi chats with Sheldon Gay, the host of the "I Must Be BUG’N" podcast. Sheldon shares his journey as a neurodivergent individual, reflecting on childhood experiences, educational challenges, and the importance of advocacy. He discusses how his unique learning needs were often misunderstood, highlighting the critical role of supportive environments and the value of diverse thinking in STEM fields. They also discuss the intersectionality of being Black, gifted, and neurodivergent, addressing systemic biases and the importance of community and self-acceptance. Sheldon emphasizes the need for educational reform to better accommodate non-traditional learners and calls for a ho...2024-08-3056 min
I Must Be BUG'NWhat is The Largest 4 Digit Number? - GUEST EPISODE - Square Pegs PodcastEpisode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGFollow Square Pegs Podcast on IGDon't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a reviewJoin me for my first guest/collaboriation episode where I was interviewed by Arash Zaghi of the "Square Pegs" podcast. This is one of my favorite episdoes because Arash's vision is very much aligned with mine.I share my journey as a neurodivergent person, reflecting on childhood experiences, educational...2024-08-3056 min
Square Pegs20: Student Espionage, a Gold Mine, and the Power of MentorshipDr. Dennis Grubb, an expert in environmental engineering and neurodiverse individual with ADHD and dyslexia, shares his journey and insights. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and resilience in overcoming educational challenges and excelling in his career. Dr. Grubb recounts his unique experiences from holding gold bars in Peru to his childhood in diverse educational systems across the U.S., South Africa, and the U.K. He also provides valuable advice for non-traditional learners and highlights the significance of mentorship, interdisciplinary thinking, and the impact of neurodiversity on innovative problem-solving in engineering.
Square Pegs Podcast is a...2024-07-2355 min
Square Pegs19: This High School Student’s Documentary is Changing Minds on NeurodiversityToday, we speak with Ivy, a high school senior and director of the documentary, “From Stigma to Strength, the Neurodiversity Project.” Ivy discusses her experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, highlighting the challenges of growing up undiagnosed and feeling isolated in traditional educational settings. She emphasizes the importance of teachers advocating for neurodiversity awareness and creating inclusive environments. Ivy's documentary, which has been screened across Bay Area schools, aims to dissolve the stigma around neurodiversity by showcasing the shared experiences and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also touches on the significance of self-advocacy, the diversity model over the deficit narr...2024-05-3049 min
Square Pegs18: Dyslexia, Big-Picture Thinking, Einstein and Other Visionary ThinkersThis episode of the Square Peg's Podcast features a conversation with Thomas G. West, an author and advocate known for exploring the strengths of individuals with dyslexia and the benefits of visual thinking. West discusses the importance of big-picture thinking over detail-oriented education, the problems with the current educational system's focus on narrow specialization, and the unique abilities that neurodiverse individuals bring to problem-solving and innovation. The dialogue also touches on the history of visual thinkers like Albert Einstein and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work and creativity. The hosts share personal experiences with dyslexia...2024-05-031h 02
Neurodiversity PodcastUnlocking the Power of Neurodiversity in STEMWe’re talking STEM today, and Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Dr. Arash Zaghi, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut, to discuss the importance of neurodiversity in STEM fields. They talk about the need for diverse perspectives and ways of thinking to solve complex problems in science and engineering. There’s a value in different types of contributions, such as creative ideas and detailed execution plans, and a need to shift the focus from deficits to strengths. They also discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging for neurodivergent stud...2024-04-1237 min
Square Pegs17: Autism, Harvard, Homelessness, a Story of RediscoveryDiscover the resilience that shines through adversity as Anthony, a graduate student, joins us. Anthony brings us on a journey marked by undiagnosed autism, schizoaffective disorder, and a battle with mental health that led to homelessness. His early love for science and technology, sparked by 'Star Trek' and nurtured in the solace of gaming and online communities, provided a beacon of hope in his darkest times.
Our heart-to-heart navigates the intricate corridors of academic pressure, substance abuse, and the quest for self-esteem amid the competitive halls of Harvard. Anthony's candid reflections on alcoholism, recognizing...2024-02-241h 19
Square Pegs16: Inclusivity, Identity-First Lensing, Education AccessibilityLiz Spingola is a distinguished data scientist with a robust background in neurodiversity, digital accessibility, and inclusive education, currently working at IBM. Liz emphasizes the importance of instructor awareness and training around neurodiversity, the recognition of disability through an identity-first lens, the need for community feedback to create an inclusive environment, and the legal requirements for digital accessibility. Join Arash Zaghi, Lexi Hain, and Liz Spingola as they delve deeper into these insights on the next episode of the Square Pegs Podcast.
Square Pegs is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and l...2024-01-161h 30
Square Pegs15: Rhythmic Entrainment, Autism, and Neurodiversity in FilmJoin us as we embark on an exploration of neurodiversity, music, and rhythm with Hayes, a PhD student in psychological sciences at the University of Connecticut. Hayes shares his fascinating research on rhythmic entrainment and its mathematical modeling, shedding light on the differences in rhythm perception and reproduction between autistic and neurotypical individuals. We also touch on the transformative power of music and dance therapy in autism therapeutic services.
We also look at Hayes' childhood experience with a PDD-NOS diagnosis, the complexities of introversion and extroversion, and the struggle to find authenticity in a...2023-12-1657 min
Square Pegs14: OCD, Eating Disorders, a Shift Toward Mental and Physical Well-BeingIn this episode of Square Pegs, we delve into two important topics: first, we explore the strengths and challenges related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as a form of neurodiversity and second, we explore the potential connections between environmental stressors in graduate school, mental health, and eating disorders. Sarah, a Teaching Assistant Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, shares her personal experiences with OCD as well as her journey in managing an eating disorder during her time as a graduate student.
The discussion highlights how societal pressures, particularly those present in academia, can contribute to harmful behaviors...2023-11-161h 11
Square Pegs13: ADHD, MIT, Becoming Best Friends with Your BrainIn this episode of the Square Pegs podcast, we are joined by Autumn Deitrick, an engineering education doctoral student at The Pennsylvania State University. At the time of recording, she was finishing her master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and entering the doctoral program at Penn State.
Autumn discusses her experiences throughout her K-12, undergraduate, and graduate education, through the lens of a recent ADHD diagnosis. With an emphasis on “Becoming Best Friends with [her] Brain,” Autumn discusses some strategies that have been helpful for her wh...2023-09-271h 04
Square Pegs12: What New Research Says on Neurodiversity in STEMOn this episode of Square Pegs, we are joined by Connie Syharat, a doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education. Connie shares reflections about her experiences working on neurodiversity-related research within UConn’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, culminating with a discussion of her current research as part of a team investigating the experiences of neurodiverse graduate students in STEM fields.
Today’s conversation brings us through the major findings from a series of 10 focus groups with neurodiverse graduate students, as we meande...2023-08-311h 03
Square Pegs11: Multimodal Learning, (Re)Educating Faculty, Breaking the "Perfect Professor” StereotypeOn this episode of Square Pegs, we are joined by Dr. Nadia Kellam, Associate Professor of Engineering Education at Arizona State University’s Fulton School of Engineering. Her research explores the unique strengths faculty with ADHD bring to the research environment. Today’s conversation reflects on the strides that have been made in recent years in (re)educating faculty to think and teach in a more neuroinclusive way, and the progress that we still need to make. Working through professional journals and societies, Nadia has spearheaded work on building reflexivity and a common, inclusive language, to ensure we continue to le...2023-06-151h 07
Square Pegs10: Astrophysics, Autism, Taking Off the MaskOn this episode of Square Pegs, we are joined by Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, a PhD student at Vanderbilt University and the Program Coordinator of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. Jessica brings a unique and compelling perspective to our conversation around neurodiversity. She recounts her struggles to be “normal” prior to her autism diagnosis in adulthood, and the complicated dynamic of masking that most neurodiverse people develop. Jessica details how, in pivoting to astrophysics, returning to university and moving to Hawaii, she learned to de-mask and see herself as neurodiverse.
This path eventually led her to...2023-05-101h 19
Square Pegs9: Inclusivity, Ableism in Higher Ed, an Empathetic ApproachToday on Square Pegs we are joined by Charlotte, a first-year PhD student in Chemistry at UConn. Charlotte, who returned to higher education later in life, understands the importance of strong mentorships and support systems for neurodiverse students. Her story of resilience and crafting the environment to facilitate her own success shows both the trials and triumphs faced by many in the neurodiverse community. Our conversation today strays from our usual format, spending considerable time discussing the theories and systems trying to make higher education more inclusive and those resisting change. Such frank discussions are hard to find in t...2023-04-211h 12
Square Pegs8: ChatGPT, ADHD and Dyslexia, a Tool to Enhance CreativityOn today’s episode of Square Pegs we are joined by Maggie Melo, an Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Information and Library Science. Maggie recently wrote an op-ed on the value of ChatGPT, especially as a tool for neurodiverse learners, for "Inside Higher Ed" and she joins us to discuss the paradigm shift ChatGPT represents. As higher education engages in a fierce debate over what role, if any, ChatGPT should play in the lives of students, this conversation takes a sober look at the program as a tool to enhance rather than replace, human creativity.
Maggie and Arash...2023-03-311h 15
Square Pegs7: Labeling, Webquity, Intersectionality in STEMToday, we welcome Kianjai Huggan, a current graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Education at Harvard University. Kia also has an undergraduate degree in engineering and is a CEO of her startup company, Webquity, which she launched with the goal of increasing online accessibility for all kinds of learners.
Kia looks back on how early experiences with robotics sparked her interest in engineering and inspired her path as an innovator in STEM. Described by her teachers as “creative, but distracted,” Kia retells her experiences pushing against the boundaries of an education system that e...2023-03-121h 06
Square Pegs6: Neuroplasticity, ADHD and Dyslexia, Why Medicine Can't Solve EducationToday, we are joined by special guest Dr. Joyce Kamanitz, a psychopharmacologist with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. We also welcome back Dr. Lexi Hain, who rejoins the conversation as a co-host as we explore how limitations in the medical and educational systems can shape our experiences and sense of self.
The conversation gets personal as Dr. Zaghi takes us back to his initial diagnosis with ADHD by Dr. Kamanitz. Together, they reflect on how this experience sparked a series of personal transformations and opened a path to a new line...2023-02-211h 39
Square Pegs5: Boredom, ADHD as an Asset, a Paradigm ShiftThis time, we chat with Dr. Caitlin O’Brien, a graduate who recently completed her doctoral degree in Structural Engineering at the University of Connecticut and is now working in the engineering industry.
Caitlin shares pivotal moments in her life, including her diagnosis with ADHD as a senior in high school, challenges and moments of success in her academics, and lessons that contributed to her personal growth. Insightful and self-aware, Caitlin explains how she uses cognitive behavioral strategies to reframe intense emotions and challenge negative internal narratives. Reflections on her educational experiences contrast moments of...2023-02-061h 28
Square Pegs4: Self-Silencing, From Deficit to Strength, Achieving a PhDToday we are chatting with Angela, a recent UConn Structural Engineering graduate who studied with Dr. Zaghi. Angela shows how she not only came to accept her ADHD, but turn it into a strategic advantage in her graduate studies.
Angela reflects on her educational journey, touching on how traits related to her ADHD, like risk-taking and creative problem solving, helped her to become a better researcher and engineer. Revisiting discrete moments across Angela’s path from primary school to her doctorate unfolds into a discussion of systemic issues in the mindset around seeing ADHD as...2023-01-141h 24
Square Pegs3: Diagnosing ADHD in Women, Boredom Vital for CreativityToday we are chatting with Katherine, a 2nd year Ph.D. student in molecular biology at the University of Connecticut with ADHD.
Katherine’s story is somewhat unique in the realm of ADHD, and we begin by talking about the unequal treatment which comes with the underdiagnosing of ADHD in women. This lack of acceptance of girls having ADHD played a significant role in her K-12 education, spurring the guilt and shame associated with several formative memories – especially a poorly-executed attempt at cheating on a Spanish test. Yet, for much of this conversation, these mome...2022-12-231h 36
Square Pegs2: Autism, Graduate Life, Embracing the WeirdToday we are joined by Asia, who is pursuing her PhD in clinical psychology at UConn. Join us for a fruitful discussion about the unique strengths and needs of those graduate students on the autism spectrum.
Asia hopes to remind other ASD graduate students that they aren’t alone, their work is important, and that their struggles are not insurmountable, no matter how it may seem in the moment. She takes us through several discrete phases in her life, from early adolescence and realizing that the traditional education system was poorly equipped to handle he...2022-12-151h 07
Square Pegs1: Dyslexia, Imposter Syndrome, Self-AcceptanceIn this first episode, Dr. Lexi Hain, Assistant Professor at the UConn School of Engineering, reflects on her struggles and successes with dyslexia and the anxiety it brings to schooling. She details early difficulties in elementary school with reading and the lasting anxiety this feeling of inadequacy brought. When she began her PhD, the drive to prove – mostly to herself – that she was good enough to finish a doctoral program led, eventually to self-acceptance. Lexi describes how she developed a healthier relationship with her research and herself, and the important lessons she hopes students can learn from her story. Now...2022-12-151h 04
Square PegsTrailer: Square Pegs: Neurodiverse AcademiaIntroducing Square Pegs, the podcast about neurodiversity in academia with host Arash Zaghi, UTC Professor in Engineering Innovation at the University of Connecticut. Listen in as Arash interviews students and professors with neurodiverse work and life experiences.
Like what you’re listening to? Follow Square Pegs @squarepegspod on Twitter and Instagram. Have an experience, comment, or question that you want to share? Send us a message at hello@squarepegspodcast.com.
2022-12-1405 min
Exploring Different BrainsSTEM Inclusion for the Neurodivergent, w/ UCONN's Marisa Chrysochoou PhD & Arash Zaghi PhD | EDB 235UCONN's Marisa Chrysochoou PhD & Arash Zaghi PhD discuss their INCLUDE program
(28 minutes) Marisa Chrysochoou, Ph.D. (who also goes by Maria professionally) is Professor and Department Head for Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). Arash Zaghi, P.E., S.E. is an Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCONN. The INCLUDE team is working with partners across the UConn campus to create an ecosystem that supports diverse learning styles and cultivates the potential of neurodivergent students to contribute to innovations in engineering. INCLUDE aims to make systemic changes that range across the entire span...2021-03-2928 min