7: Labeling, Webquity, Intersectionality in STEM

Today, we welcome Kianjai Huggan, a current graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Education at Harvard University. Kia also has an undergraduate degree in engineering and is a CEO of her startup company, Webquity, which she launched with the goal of increasing online accessibility for all kinds of learners. Kia looks back on how early experiences with robotics sparked her interest in engineering and inspired her path as an innovator in STEM. Described by her teachers as “creative, but distracted,” Kia retells her experiences pushing against the boundaries of an education system that encouraged her to conform rather than embrace her creativity. We also touch on the intersectionality of Kia’s experiences as a Black woman in STEM who identifies as neurodiverse. Kia reflects on how racism and stigma related to neurodiversity and mental health labels shaped her family’s choice to not pursue a formal diagnosis. While deeply personal, these experiences highlight a clear equity issue for students from minority backgrounds and for their families as they must navigate complex choices about the potential benefits and harms of seeking diagnosis, understanding, and support. Square Pegs is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity. Send feedback about Square Pegs to [email protected] or find us at squarepegspodcast.com. 01:16 Guest intro and educational journey - Kia Huggan, a Master's student at Harvard and CEO of the startup Webquity 05:59 First STEM experience with robotics and it's impact on the ethos and founding on Webquity 08:04 Adapting to and coping with the traditional engineering education system as a neurodiverse student 12:53 The "combative" elementary school years and embracing engagement in middle school 23:39 The impact of AI and chatGPT on education 33:42 High school, falling away from creativity, and how cultural impacts drive blending in over seeking formal diagnoses 41:25 Navigating how best to embrace the self vs conforming to what society expects 48:52 Exploitation of problems in the entrepreneur space, and how Webquity tries to avoid those pitfalls 58:40 Reflecting on Square Pegs and its personal impact 1:02:50 Final thoughts and reflections