PreMiEr Spring 2024 Seminar Series – Drs. Connie Syharat, Arash Zaghi, and Marisa Chrysochoou

Please join the NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) and host institution Duke University for a talk from Drs. Connie Syharat, Arash Zaghi, and Marisa Chrysochoou of the University of Connecticut.

Reframing Neurodiversity in Higher Education

A growing body of literature suggests that neurodiverse learners may possess assets that are highly desirable within STEM disciplines. Even so, despite the potential of neurodiverse individuals to contribute to innovation, neurodiverse students, such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or dyslexia, remain highly underrepresented in STEM majors, and in higher education overall. This talk will argue that the predominant perception of neurodiversity as a disability limits the participation of neurodiverse students in higher education, ultimately impacting the diversity and creativity of the workforce. Instead, a strengths-based perspective of neurodiversity will be presented that may be integrated within STEM education in particular, as well as in higher education overall, as we present our vision for a transformative education system that moves beyond mere accommodation of learning differences and empowers all students to leverage their unique strengths.

Open to the public, but registration required for non-PreMiEr members.

Non-PreMiEr members can register for the seminar series through this link.