TNI’s home institution, Vanderbilt University, celebrated the launch of The Neuroverse Initiative today with a glowing press release from the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation (FCAI):
“We are thrilled to share that our Program and Communications manager, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, launched her non-profit, The Neuroverse Initiative (TNI), last week. This unique initiative operates at the intersection of space science and neurodiversity, with a mission to support neurodivergent space scientists in training, research, and advocacy.”
FCAI exists within Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, and was established by its six founders with the goal of not only maximizing and supporting neurodiverse talent in the workforce but creating a better world for their children, many of whom are neurodiverse. TNI’s president, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, serves as FCAI’s Project and Communications Coordinator concurrent with her appointment as a graduate research fellow in the astrophysics program.
The press release describes TNI’s three pillars: training, research, and advocacy. It highlights efforts across all three pillars, from workplace practices consulting to assistive technology for astronauts to outreach and science communication at science fiction conventions. All three pillars benefit greatly from the support of FCAI.
“TNI would not have been possible without the support of the Frist Center and director Keivan Stassun” concludes President Schonhut-Stasik. Stassun serves as an advisor for TNI, and recently received the 2024 MacArthur Genius Grant for “expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and careers for underrepresented populations.”
See the full press release here.
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