Supervisor: Kristian H. Nielsen

Imagine a world where different ways of thinking are more than accepted; where aspects of neurodiversity and neurodivergence are encouraged and used to drive innovations in STEM. How do we make this happen? What is neurodivergence and neurodiversity?

This colloquium covers how neurodiversity and neurodivergence impact brain function with a particular focus on its effects on learning and education, especially in STEM fields such as physics. It examines how neurodivergent individuals engage with learning in middle and higher education, comparing these experiences across the United States and European countries. As well as, challenges that neurodivergent learners face and how to fix these issues using game-based and project-based learning. It emphasizes the untapped potential of neurodiversity and recognizes the advantages neurodivergent individuals brings in educational and workplace environments. As well as how common neurodiverse individuals are in physics and STEM and what should be implemented so everyone can achieve greatness.