Dr. 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 series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity.

Send feedback about Square Pegs to hello@squarepegspodcast.com or find us at squarepegspodcast.com.

00:00 Introducing Dr. Dennis Grubb 01:44 Gold Mine Adventures in Peru 03:39 Growing Up with ADHD 05:26 Formative Years in South Africa and the UK 10:37 Struggles with Reading and Education Systems 17:49 Coping Strategies and Creativity 27:29 The Co-op Experience and Espionage Inspiration 29:45 The National Science Foundation Interview 31:59 Graduate School Decisions and Creativity 33:28 Challenges and Counseling at Stanford 35:13 The Importance of Creativity in Engineering 38:49 Diversity in Engineering Education 49:28 Mentorship and Finding Your Path 51:53 Final Reflections and Advice

Today, 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 narrative, and the impact of social media on mental health. Ivy plans to study neuroscience and cognitive science at Duke University, aspiring to continue her advocacy and research into neurodiversity.

Watch Ivy’s documentary here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGrj9-St6gg

https://stigmatostrengthdoc.com

Square Pegs Podcast is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity.

Send feedback about Square Pegs to hello@squarepegspodcast.com or find us at squarepegspodcast.com.

00:42 Introducing Ivy: A Neurodiverse Student's Journey

02:32 From Stigma to Strength: The Making of a Documentary

06:05 Challenges and Strengths: A Neurodivergent Student's Experience

12:00 Advocating for Change: Suggestions for an Inclusive Education System

15:41 The Power of Self-Advocacy and Community Support

36:15 Looking Ahead: Plans for College and Beyond

42:14 Navigating Mental Health and Social Media as a Neurodivergent Individual

45:56 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future

This 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, emphasizing the need for educational reform that embraces neurodiversity and prepares students for a changing world.

Watch one of Thomas’s lectures here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grZQhqTZUZQ

Square Pegs Podcast is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity.

Send feedback about Square Pegs to hello@squarepegspodcast.com or find us at squarepegspodcast.com.

01:08 Introducing Thomas G. West

03:22 The Genesis of Interest in Dyslexia and Visual Thinking

09:12 Exploring Visual Thinking: Beyond Shapes and Forms

14:42 Cross-Disciplinary Research and the Future of Discovery

15:31 Challenges in the Current Education System

20:58 The Role of Hands-On Learning and Visual Education

23:54 Embracing AI and the Future of Education

30:05 Overcoming Procrastination and Embracing Efficiency

31:18 Exploring Creativity and Dyslexia's Unique Advantages

37:14 The Power of Observation and Nature in Scientific Discovery

44:15 The Importance of Cross-Disciplinary Work and Visual Thinking

44:33 Challenges and Solutions in Education for Dyslexic Learners

47:58 Rethinking Academic Practices and Embracing Diverse Talents

54:37 The Future of AI, Education, and the Value of Diverse Thinking

01:01:20 Closing Thoughts and Resources for Neurodiversity Advocacy