Matt H. Schneps
Astrophysicist / Director
Harvard Laboratory for Visual Learning
Cambridge, MA USA
“You have to figure out what your bliss is, and then you have to go after it very intensely.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationMatt H. Schneps
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Although he struggled all throughout school, his teachers and parents weren’t sure what the issue was, so he was left to navigate it on his own.
He loved astronomy from a young age; when he was in high school, he planned on becoming an astronomy researcher and professor at a prestigious school.
From there his railroad track got “twisty”: when he was applying to colleges, he was rejected from most of his dream schools because of his test scores.
The only school that accepted him was MIT because they didn’t require standardized test scores.
Even then, he still didn’t know the root cause of his struggles; he knew he was bright, but he could barely navigate the Dewey Decimal System in the library.
It wasn’t until much later, when his daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, that he started researching the condition and realized he had it as well.
Although he pursued astrophysics for some time, his research now focuses on using technology to solve or remedy learning issues.
He struggles with remembering names and incidents, but he’s used even this to his advantage—since he doesn’t remember his setbacks, he easily moves on from them.
Keep following my journey
Education
Career
Astrophysicist / Director
I investigate technological solutions to help people read more effectively.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Science
Helping People
Day to Day
The focus of my research investigates how technology can foster the exchange of information between people and machines, given wide-ranging differences in the neurology of individuals (including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders). I seek to re-engineer the technology we use for reading, to make this process more efficient and effective for all. I also occasionally give talks and develop online resources for students and teachers.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
First, you have to figure out the thing(s) that you truly like and are passionate about. Then, you have to follow your bliss.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You're dyslexic. "
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
Interviewed By
Being You
Making learning differences your strength
