Our writers

Dr Skye Marshall,

she/her

Skye is a neurodiverse PhD-qualified dietitian with over 10-years’ experience as a health and medical researcher, communicator, educator, and clinician. You can view Skye’s research profile here: https://bit.ly/35MZGQI 

Skye founded Atypical Science in 2021 after her experiences of the diagnosis and support of her autistic daughter, Juniper. 

Skye found that even with all her qualifications, she was overwhelmed by the information given to her by so many people. She struggled to find relevant research to inform her decisions and felt out of control. 

Skye spoke to many parents and autistic adults, and found out they felt the same way. 

More about Skye

Skye has auditory processing disorder, which she manages alongside multiple physical conditions, including hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and several immune conditions.

Skye grew up on a macadamia farm and even though her family has since sold the farm, she still lives surrounded by forest. 

Getting a diagnosis of auditory processing disorder helped to explain her need for silence and calm, and why she couldn’t tune out repetitive or background noises which drove her crazy. 

Skye discovered the power of a diagnosis in helping to understand yourself and make life choices to best suit your own needs.

Skye loves: 

• Reading literary fiction.
• Mediterranean food.
• Sleeping-in then going for a swim.

Skye hates: 

• Waiting for people to get out of the car.
• Mushrooms (despite the fact they are so healthy!)
• Cluttered rooms and desks.

Ella Cummings,

she/they

Ella is in her final year of studying a Bachelor of Psychology. Their areas of interests include neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and children.

Ella joined the Atypical Science team as a Health Communication Intern in 2021 because they have a passion for mental health and a desire to help people, especially children.  

After she identified that she was neurodivergent, Ella read and learned as much as they could. 

Ella is interested in communicating about neurodiversity because they know how much accessing the right information can make a difference for the better.

More about Ella

Ella has ADHD and autism. They grew up in a small costal town and still lives by the beach. 

Ella is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusivity. 

Her family is from Kokoda, Papua New Guinea. Their hobbies include swimming in the ocean, looking after her plants, and art.

Ella loves:

• Her family.
• Their plants.
• Coffee.

Ella hates:

• Chocolate.
• Wet socks.
• Slow walkers.

Stephanie Lam,

she/her

Steph is currently studying medicine, after graduating as Dux of her secondary college. 

Steph chose medicine as she felt it was a path which would empower her to make the world a better place, where she can advocate for stigmatized groups.

Steph joined the Atypical Science team as a Health Communication Intern as it provides her the opportunity to address the stigma of neurodiversity. 

She wants to bust myths and create safe spaces.

More about Steph

Steph has volunteered as a tutor for English as a second language for new immigrants. 

She is neurodivergent herself and has worked with neurodiverse secondary students. Steph is very passionate about anti-ableist action and breaking down social barriers.

Steph loves:

• Reading.
• Playing the piano and saxophone.
• Spending time with her family and dog.

Steph hates:

• Spiders.
• Large crowds.
• Cold weather.

Harry Pan,

he/him

Harry holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science, and Graduate Certificate in Mental Health. 

Harry also teaches dog training and snowboarding!

Harry has 10-years’ experience in psychology research, particular in the field of autism and is currently an advisor to the Neurodiverse Youth Advisory Group at Autism CRC.

Harry joined the Atypical Science team as a Health Communication Intern in 2021 because he has experienced communication gap that occurs between the research and the public. 

Harry wants to ensure the public receives accurate health information.

More about Harry

Harry was born in China and moved to Australia as a child. 

Harry is autistic and is particularly interested in breaking autism stigma and barriers to diagnosis for adults. 

Harry loves:

• Dogs.
• Rainy and snowy days.
• Snowboarding.

Harry hates:

• Loud and crowded places.
• Strong smells.
• People talking in the library.

Lara Cate Tupper,

she/her

Lara has completed a Bachelor of Nutrition Science at the Southern Illinois University, and is in now in her final year of a Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice. 

Lara is interested in how food can both improve our lives and health through enjoyment and nourishment.

Lara joined Atypical Science in 2021 as a Health Communication Intern as she wants the most up to date information about health to be accessible to everyone.

More about Lara

Lara is a top tennis player, winning multiple awards. 

Lara’s sister has cerebral palsy, and as one of her sister’s carers, Lara has met many neurodivergent individuals and experienced how lack of resources and media misrepresentation is hurting the community.

Lara has volunteered extensively at camps for disabled kids across the USA and Australia, including horse riding and surfing camps.

Lara loves:

• Coffee.
• The outdoors.
• Ceramics.

Lara hates: 

• Uncomfortable clothes.
• Beetroot (unless it is on a burger).
• Plastic bags.