Staff
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Featured on the NSF Discovery Files Podcast
Dec. 2, 2024—Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Dr. Keivan G. Stassun, a professor at Vanderbilt University, recently appeared on an episode of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Discovery Files podcast. In this episode, Dr. Stassun discusses his groundbreaking work in astronomy, efforts to enhance diversity in STEM fields, and the significance of neurodiversity in driving innovative...
FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel Interviewed on Autism Weekly Podcast
Nov. 5, 2024—In an episode of Autism Weekly that dropped in September, our Associate Director Dave Caudel was interviewed about transforming workplaces for neurodivergent individuals. Autism Weekly is a podcast that discusses Autism news, current events, and inclusion. Each week, host Jeffrey Skibitsky welcomes a guest to the program to share their unique perspective and expertise regarding...
FCAI Program and Communications Coordinator Launches Non-Profit at the Intersection of Neurodiversity and Space Science: The Neuroverse Initiative
Oct. 2, 2024—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. The mission statement of the new non-profit reads:...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Wins Prestigious MacArthur Genius Grant
Oct. 1, 2024—We are thrilled to announce that our Director, Keivan G. Stassun, has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant.” This incredible honor has been awarded to Director Stassun for his work “expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and careers for underrepresented populations.” Under the guidance of...
FCAI Program and Communications Manager Speaking at SciAccess 2024; FCAI, Disability Research, and Upcoming Non-Profit
May. 6, 2024—On May 10-11th, 2024, we are thrilled to announce that FCAI Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik will deliver multiple talks at the free, virtual SciAccess conference. Jessica, along with an array of incredible speakers at the intersection of disability and STEM, will provide three unique talks outlined below. Registration is free and available at the...
FCAI Partner Jobs for Humanity Releases Impact Report; Work Supported by Associate Director Dave Caudel
Apr. 27, 2024—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to partner with Jobs for Humanity. This organization supports inclusive hiring practices for individuals from underrepresented groups, including those on the autism spectrum. Jobs for Humanity has recently unveiled an inspiring impact report showcasing their remarkable achievements over the past three years. The report highlights the...
FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel Discusses the Strengths and Challenges of Neurodiversity in New Talk
Mar. 30, 2024—Last week, FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel spoke for a Disability @ Work session hosted by the UNC Charlotte Career Center. Caudel discussed the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity, and these undeserved and underutilized members of our society. You can view the video below or on YouTube here. Every spring, the UNC Career Center offers programming...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Interviewed for The Special Needs Voice Podcast
Feb. 23, 2024—Our director, Keivan Stassun, was interviewed for the latest Special Needs Voices Podcast episode. You can listen by searching on the Spotify app or at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hmcBoR4vMaqFq4Kefpz6D In this episode, Keivan “will be speaking about topics such as his childhood and how it affected his career progression, his son with Autism that inspired...
FCAI Associate Director and Program Manager Speak at OCALICONLINE 2023
Nov. 30, 2023—On November 16th, FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel and Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik spoke at the 2023 OCALICONLINE Autism and Disabilities Conference about the programs and opportunities available at the Frist Center. OCALICONLINE is run by OCALI who are “a model agency for inspiring change and promoting access for people with disabilities. But...
FCAI Program and Communications Manager Speaks at the International Forum on Research Excellence
Nov. 11, 2023—On Saturday, 11th November, First Center for Autism and Innovation Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik spoke at the 2nd Annual International Forum on Research Excellence in Long Beach, California. The session Jessica led opened with a talk about Neurodiversity in STEM: How Great Supports Lead to Great Endeavors, where Jessica told her own story...