Graduate Student Abigail Cordiner Advocates for Accessibility in STEM Amid Dyslexia Challenges
Graduate student Abigail Cordiner navigates dyslexia in science
University Of Wisconsin–madison
Image: University Of Wisconsin–madison
Abigail Cordiner, a fourth-year graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, navigates her research in stem cell therapies while managing dyslexia and related conditions. By sharing her experiences and strategies, she aims to improve accessibility in science for individuals with learning disabilities.
- 01Abigail Cordiner is a graduate student studying stem cell-derived heart muscle cells at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- 02Cordiner was diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and Irlen syndrome, which affect her reading and writing abilities.
- 03She utilizes text-to-speech software and structured workflows to manage her academic workload effectively.
- 04Cordiner advocates for open discussions about disability in science to reduce stigma and improve support for disabled researchers.
- 05She emphasizes the importance of utilizing legal accommodations to create a more inclusive academic environment.
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Abigail Cordiner, a fourth-year graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is making strides in her research on stem cell-derived heart muscle cells while navigating the challenges of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and Irlen syndrome. Diagnosed as a child, Cordiner has developed various strategies to manage her academic responsibilities, including using text-to-speech software and dual-screen setups for reading scientific papers. She emphasizes the importance of sharing effective tools and workflows to help others with similar challenges. Cordiner also advocates for more open conversations about disabilities in the scientific community, noting that many famous scientists have faced similar issues. Despite advancements in technology, she acknowledges the ongoing stigma and discrimination that individuals with disabilities encounter in academia. Cordiner encourages students to disclose their disabilities if comfortable and to utilize available accommodations to level the playing field. Her ultimate goal is to foster a more inclusive environment in science, where diverse individuals can contribute and thrive.
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Cordiner's efforts aim to create a more inclusive environment in STEM fields, potentially increasing retention rates of disabled students in graduate programs.
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