Making neuroscience understandable
Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist, author and educator whose work includes explaining brain research to people outside the laboratory. She values the depth of specialist research but describes missing a broader view when she worked in a narrow research area. Communication gave her a way to connect ideas across subjects.
Seeing another career become possible
Leaving academic research was a difficult decision. McKay describes frustration with funding competition and specialisation, alongside a sense that changing careers might mean failing as a scientist. Searching for science-writing jobs revealed opportunities she had not previously seen. She took one and describes enjoying this next part of her career.
A different perspective on belonging
McKay says she felt accepted in her scientific settings and did not doubt that she belonged. She challenges the idea that every woman experiences STEM as a gendered battle, while acknowledging that other women may have different experiences. McKay questions why a question focuses only on girls; the conversation then broadens to young people. McKay encourages curiosity, learning and developing skills.