Queers in Science: on Neurodiversity

Join Queers in Science, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and the Royal Society of Victoria for an online lecture on Neurodiversity. This lecture is presented as part of the Midsumma Festival and Inspiring Victoria.

We recognise that the brain of every individual is unique, meaning not everyone learns or thinks the same way. To reduce the stigma around neurodivergence and mental illness, we will explore not only the science behind it, featuring queer neuroscientists with expertise, but also have a panel discussion with neurodivergent individuals sharing their day-to-day experience.

Speakers

Dr Emma Burrows

Dr Emma Burrows leads a laboratory of enthusiastic people at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Her team train mice to play games on touch-screens to learn about how genetic mutations linked to autism can change a mouse’s ability to learn and pay attention. Emma hopes a greater understanding of brain differences will help to mitigate challenges faced by some people on the autism spectrum.

Kate Huckstep

Kate Huckstep (they/them) is a queer PhD student at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, where they are currently researching Alcohol Use Disorder. They are fascinated by happens in the brain when people experience alcohol addiction and are passionate about finding new potential treatments for this debilitating yet highly stigmatised disease. Kate is also an avid science communicator, hosting both a regular science comedy podcast (Curiosity Killed the Rat), and a science radio show (Radio Sci-Lens) on the University of Melbourne’s student radio station.

Liam Leyden

Liam Leyden is currently completing his PhD at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. He is interested in investigating mechanisms of learning and memory by using cutting-edge microscopy techniques.

Panellists

Dr Sophia Frentz

Sophia has a PhD in Genetics and a large number of opinions on the intersections between science, technology, and society. Sophia is currently a Data Consultant at  Eliiza  and is based in Melbourne, Australia. They received one of Out for Australia’s 30 under 30 Awards in 2020 and are now a Non-Executive Director for this organisation.

Dr Daphne Cohen

Dr Daphne Cohen is an emergency physician-in-training, currently working in clinical forensic medicine. She is a published poet, bioethicist, aspiring novelist, and all-round overachiever.