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 and on Apple Podcasts at 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 or find us at 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

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