Square Pegs

21: 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 holistic approach to learning that recognizes and nurtures diverse cognitive abilities. Find Sheldon’s podcast on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/imustbebugn [https://www.instagram.com/imustbebugn] and on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-must-be-bugn/id1712196305 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-must-be-bugn/id1712196305]. You can also find I Must Be BUG’N wherever you get your podcasts. 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 [hello@squarepegspodcast.com] or find us at squarepegspodcast.com [http://squarepegspodcast.com/]. 00:42 Meet Sheldon Gay: host of "I Must Be BUG'N" podcast 02:18 Sheldon's early school experiences 05:37 Discovering a passion for math and science 07:53 Divergent thinking and early academic challenges 11:10 The impact of real-world applications in education 15:42 Challenges in traditional education systems 27:41 The evolution of cognitive skills 28:24 Embracing uniquely brilliant minds 29:43 Changing systems to fit diverse minds 30:27 Choosing an MBA over engineering 32:18 Innovative projects and missed opportunities 33:39 Starting the "I Must Be BUG’N" podcast 34:42 Challenges of being neurodivergent in marginalized communities 38:08 The importance of diagnosis and acceptance 47:07 Creating a supportive community 53:15 Advice to younger self

20: Student Espionage, a Gold Mine, and the Power of Mentorship

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

19: This High School Student’s Documentary is Changing Minds on Neurodiversity

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

18: Dyslexia, Big-Picture Thinking, Einstein and Other Visionary Thinkers

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

17: Autism, Harvard, Homelessness, a Story of Rediscovery

Discover 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 the intertwined nature of mental health and addiction, and the subsequent fall into mental illness lay bare the stark realities faced by many but spoken of by few. It's a tale of exceptional academic achievement shadowed by personal struggles, highlighting the need for greater awareness and inclusion in both educational and professional landscapes. Rounding out our conversation, Anthony shares his path to recovery and growth, emphasizing the role of family support, treatment, and the grounding effect of meditation. While addressing the societal impacts of his experiences, he underscores the importance of participating in student activities and the wider college community. Anthony's narrative stands as a testament to his dedication to science and the unyielding human spirit. Square Pegs 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 Navigating Adversity and Pursuing Science 14:35 Navigating Student Activities and Bullying 24:40 Alcoholism's Impact on Mental Health 34:58 Challenges of Harvard and Self-Esteem 41:30 Mental Illness and Homelessness Journey 55:40 Recovery and Growth 01:05:15 Overcoming Homelessness and Mental Health 01:09:52 Maximizing College Experience Through Student Involvement