About
The Neurodivergent Student Association, originally known as Spectrum Friends, was founded in 2021 by Kathryn Stovall '24 to provide a voice and support system for autistic students at WPI. It was later expanded by Stovall and Laurie Salustri '27 to include all neurodiverse identities. In 2024, under the administration of Salustri, Valerie Bennett '24, Abigail Deichert '24, and Ian Grzembski '24, the NDSA became officially recognized by WPI. The association has since partnered with key WPI offices, including the Heebner Career Development Center and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, & Multicultural Education (ODIME).
Our Founder
Kathryn Stovall
Robotics Engineering, Alumni 2024
I was evaluated for autism around the age of 7 because my mother wanted to prove to my autistic father that I was "normal." However, the testing revealed that I likely had autism and definitely had severe ADHD. Instead of seeing my diagnosis as something being horribly wrong with me, my mother saw it as a sign that I just needed a little extra support. She became my biggest advocate, fighting for me to be treated as an intelligent person rather than just a learning disability. It is important for neurodivergent people to feel empowered enough to advocate for themselves, and this is something my mother taught me how to do. I was fortunate to grow up with parents who gave me the skills to self-advocate, as that is not the reality for most people. This is why I started the Discord server and helped found the Neurodivergent Student Association at WPI. I wanted to create a space where the neurodivergent community at WPI could come together to support each other and help one another advocate for themselves in both academic and social settings.
Officers
President
Laurie Salustri
Computer Science, Class of 2027
I was diagnosed with autism at age 6, and my experiences have shaped my passion for advocacy. My special interests include classic rock, computers, dogs, and crochet. I have two wonderful dogs, Lucy and Ruby, who are a huge part of my life. I enjoy listening to my favorite artists: Billy Joel, Queen, and Van Halen. As president, I’m committed to building an inclusive community where neurodivergent students feel accepted, supported, and empowered. I believe in fostering a community that emphasizes inclusion and understanding, and I’m committed to advocating for our voices to be heard.
Vice President
Alexandra Angell
Chemistry, Class of 2027
I was recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD, but I've been surrounded by neurodivergence my whole life. My special interests include chemistry (hence my major), biology, crafting, and dogs. My go-to fun fact for icebreakers is that I have four dogs: two big German shepherds and two little mini mutts. I listen to a lot of different music, but I especially enjoy indie rock, punk, and grunge. I'm excited to be part of the NDSA executive board and help foster a community for neurodivergent students at WPI.
Secretary
Gavin Porter
Environmental Engineering w/ Mathematical Sciences Minor, Class of 2027
I have been diagnosed with autism and OCD since the age of two. With this, I've had to navigate the world of accommodations and represent neurodivergent people throughout my life. I'm interested in math, the environment, and my favorite video game, Minecraft. As an environmental engineering major with a mathematical sciences minor, I hope to research mathematical models of the environment after my time at WPI. I hope to help the club make meaningful change for neurodivergent individuals within the WPI community with my position as secretary.
Treasurer
Grace Long
Actuarial Mathematics, Class of 2028
I was diagnosed with Asperger's at 15 years old. One of my teachers recommended for me to get tested in 9th grade and it has helped me understand and have more compassion for myself. My special interests are dogs, swimming, and violin. I also like to travel because I have lived in 3 states and 3 countries.
Public Relations Chair
Aster Dettweiler
Computer Science, Class of 2028
I am self-diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD, and am formally diagnosed with social anxiety. I love music, linguistics, DND, and computer science, especially when I can combine multiple of these areas. I am excited to serve as PR chair and help bring people in to NDSA to help spread good information and help the community.
Advisor
Dr. Stacy Shaw, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Learning Science & Technology, Psychological Science
Stacy Shaw's research focuses on understanding creative thinking in mathematics, how anxiety and other threat experiences affect mathematical cognition and reasoning, as well as how classroom experiences can affect performance and learning in STEM. Recently she has become interested in the role of rest for academic achievement, burnout, and student wellbeing. She graduated with her Ph.D. in psychology from UCLA in 2020, and is an Ambassador for the Center for Open Science, Catalyst for the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences, and a part of the Better Book research team for the Coursekata project.