Melonie Vaughn’s desire to study neurodevelopmental disorders stemmed from watching her autistic brother struggle with navigating school and social relationships. Now she is a rising second year neuroscience Ph.D. student at UC San Diego. Melonie, an Afro-Panamanian, is the only black woman in her program.

Twitter handle: @melonievaughn_

Episode Music:

Rad Scientist Theme Motif - Grant Fisher

At Our Best Alone - Blue Dot Sessions

Not Alone - Lee Rosevere

The Yards - Blue Dot Sessions

How I Used To See The Stars - Lee Rosevere

Blammo - Podington Bear