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Headlines 17 people who donate to the Foundation so that we can continue this research. As a neurodivergent person, I have found a place where I can thrive because my brain is differently wired and because my neurodivergence is celebrated as an asset that can generate unique ideas and perspectives essential for driving research forward. What have been the highlights of your career thus far? What have been your greatest achievements? Being awarded the Neurological Foundation Postgraduate Gillespie Scholarship to complete my PhD. Thanks to the support from the Neurological Foundation, I was also able to attend the Society for Neuroscience conference in Chicago in 2019, where I was the only New Zealand researcher to give a nanosymposium talk about my research. Also, coming first place in the three- minute thesis competition run by Brain Research New Zealand, an incredibly nerve-wracking experience for a strong introvert. Some of the biggest highlights of my journey in research so far have been the opportunities I’ve had to engage with the community about our research and participate in public outreach events. Why is the brain/ neurology/ neuroscience intriguing and interesting to you? The brain is responsible for everything that makes us who we are, yet there is still so much we have to learn about the brain. Neuroscience is never going to be a field where we finally feel like we know everything. Every time we answer a question about the brain, ten more pop up, which is incredibly exciting. How do you approach challenges in your work as a researcher? Many researchers, especially early career researchers, struggle with imposter syndrome and worry that we are not as deserving or successful as others. In talking about the challenges I have faced both in research and as a researcher, I have realised that many of the researchers and colleagues I look up to and admire have experienced similar challenges. There is a great sense of solidarity in that. What inspires you to continue your work? He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, the people, the people I’ve had the honour and privilege to meet so many individuals and families whose lives have been changed by neurodegenerative conditions and who carry with them the hope that things will be better for future generations. I am driven every day by my desire to help people and believe that the way I can make the biggest impact on improving the quality of human life is as a neuroscientist. What excites you about being in the neuroscience field at the moment? There is never a dull moment. We are constantly learning about new innovative technologies that change how we view and conduct our research. I am also excited by how increasingly collaborative we are becoming as scientists. Our partnerships with medicinal chemists will be invaluable for drug discovery. Our relationships with the communities we seek to serve will ensure that the research we conduct will have a real impact on the lives of those impacted by neurodegenerative conditions. What advice would you offer young people looking to start a career in the science/ research field? There isn’t one way to be a scientist, nor is there one single path that will carry you through research. Sometimes finding your passion takes time, and you might not realise how much you love or enjoy something until you are doing it. Do not be afraid to combine interests or to follow a different path than your peers. Having a unique set of skills and a diverse background is an enormous asset. My advice for my fellow neurodivergent* community is that there is incredible strength in neurodiversity. The things that make you different and stand out can be your greatest strengths. Seek out mentors and colleagues who embrace and celebrate your neurodivergence and encourage you throughout your journey as a researcher to be your authentic self. All young people deserve to be encouraged to follow their dreams and passions. If anybody tries to tell you that you cannot be a scientist because your gender, ethnicity, disability, or religion does not fit their view of what a scientist should be, use that to fuel your passion and prove them wrong! *Neurodivergence is where the brain works differently from what is considered typical or normal, and is often used in reference to autism spectrum disorders.