About ND in Micro

Our vision

  1. To connect and empower neurodivergent microbiologists

  2. To provide peer support and mentorship to neurodivergent microbiologists

  3. To raise the profile of neurodivergent microbiologists and their science

  4. To advocate for neurodivergent microbiologists and their needs

ND in Micro logo

Our membership criteria

  • You must be currently working in a microbiology-related role in any sector (academia, industry, government, charity and beyond), and/or be currently training in a microbiology-related discipline (at any level), and/or have previously worked in or trained in microbiology.

  • You must self-identify as neurodivergent, using the broadest currently accepted definitions of neurodivergence, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. If you are in the early stages of exploring whether you may be neurodivergent, we welcome you to join our membership, or get going with our Discord server and community resources until you feel ready to sign up.

  • You may be located anywhere in the world.

  • You must be over 18 years of age.

  • We are welcoming to microbiologists at all career stages, including students and retired microbiologists.

  • We strive to create as diverse and inclusive a community as possible and welcome members from all backgrounds and walks of life, including neurodivergent microbiologists belonging to other historically marginalised communities and those living in the Global South.

  • Our membership is free.

Meet the organising team

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Becky Thomas

I am a PhD student at the University of Surrey, UK, focusing on bacteriology and antimicrobial resistance in the veterinary setting. I am autistic and have endometriosis and chronic pain. My pronouns are she/her.

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Dr. Cailean Carter

I am a Research Scientist at the Quadram Institute, UK. I am applying mathematics to understanding survival of communities of food spoilage organisms on retail foods, and translational work on One Health antimicrobial resistance. I identify as AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD). My pronouns are he/him.

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Kathryn Burdon

I am a PhD student studying bacterial genomics and ecology at the University of Southampton, UK. I have ADHD, ASD and chronic pain. I also identify as pansexual and my pronouns are she/they.

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Dr. Kevin Maringer

I am a virologist and Group Leader at The Pirbright Institute, UK. I identify as AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) and gender-queer. My pronouns are he/they.

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Kirsty Jones

I am a PhD candidate and Lecturer researching yeast at the University of Staffordshire, UK. I identify as being both disabled and neurodivergent. My pronouns are she/her.

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Dr. Sara Henderson

I am a molecular microbiologist working as a Lecturer at the University of Bradford, UK. I am autistic and use she/they pronouns.