ABOUT
THE TNI TEAM

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Dr. Jessica Schonhut-Stasik is an Astrophysics Research Scientist at Vanderbilt University, specializing in Galactic Archaeology. She is also the Director of Communications for the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation.

After leaving her first graduate school in 2019, at the age of 28, Jessica was diagnosed as autistic, with co-occurring ADHD and OCD. Through this diagnosis, she learned her strengths and, in March 2025, completed her PhD in Astrophysics at Vanderbilt University.

After learning how many neurodivergent individuals in the space sciences struggle as she once did, Jessica endeavored to set up TNI to support other neurodivergent space scientists and educate the world on the social-strengths-based model of neurodiversity.

After living for ten years on the Big Island of Hawai’i, and solo observing over 300 nights on the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope as a Telescope Systems Specialist, Jessica, her husband, and dogs relocated to Nashville in 2025 so Jessica could focus on her career advancement.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"THE VULCANS"

Our board of directors comprises academics, space sciences, and individuals in the corporate space. We seek to understand as many neurodivergent perspectives as possible in order to serve the community to the best of our abilities.