From Carbon Cycles to Cognitive Loads: A Scientist’s Take on Progress

It’s been just over a week since my last update, and if I were plotting my current professional trajectory on a graph, the data points are looking decidedly positive.

As a former researcher in carbon dynamics, I spent years measuring the slow, complex exchange of gases between peat bogs and the atmosphere. I learned back then that meaningful change is rarely instantaneous; it’s a cumulative process. Sitting here this morning, reflecting on the last seven days, I can feel that same cumulative shift happening in my own life. I’ve moved from a period of stagnation—what I used to call the "slump"—into a phase of genuine growth.

Here is my analysis of the week’s data.

Breaking the Imposter Barrier

The first significant win this week was getting a piece of writing out the door. I’ve been labouring over an article for Natspec (the voice for specialist further education), and I finally sent it to my line manager and a few trusted colleagues.

The feedback was excellent. They told me it "tells a nice story of overcoming barriers." That phrase really landed. For a long time, following my departure from academia due to burnout and "toxic perfectionism" , I didn't see my neurodivergent struggles as a story. I saw them as failures. To have my perspective validated by peers—to hear that my experience effectively highlights barriers for others—is a massive boost.

This momentum carried into the Shaw Education Trust working party last night.

A few years ago, the idea of sitting in a room with senior professionals at the top of their game would have terrified me. I had gone from being a lead author in Nature Climate Change to feeling like an anxious, quiet Teaching Assistant who didn't belong. But last night, I wasn't just attending; I was contributing.

I found myself raising questions that no one else had considered. It was a moment of clarity: my "messy" neurodivergent brain, which scores high in visual-spatial logic , allows me to see systems and angles that others miss. I realised I’m no longer just rebuilding; I’m adding value to the wider Trust policy.

The Engine Room: Executive Function

In the classroom, the data was a little more mixed, but equally instructive. I had my rescheduled observation yesterday.

The verdict? It was okay. It wasn't the best lesson I’ve ever delivered, nor was it the worst. It was a work-based employability session, which meant it was naturally chaotic with variables I couldn't control. But, putting my scientist hat back on, I stepped back to analyse why it felt chaotic.

My hypothesis is that the key variable isn't academic ability; it's Executive Functioning.

When my students go off-task or the room feels unsettled, it’s usually because their internal "air traffic control" is overwhelmed. They struggle to plan, prioritise, or regulate their focus. If we want these young people to gain meaningful employment, we have to prioritise these skills. A student’s reading age matters less on a factory floor than their ability to stay on task for an hour without getting lost in the process.

I see this in myself. When I’m tired, my own executive function dips, and my dyspraxia flares up. Because I know this, I can build "enabling adjustments" for myself—and I need to do the same for them.

The Pragmatics of Positive Data

Despite the chaos, the culture in the room was good. I don't believe in focusing solely on negative data points.

I have a student who, back in September, would spend the whole day "kicking off." Yesterday, he showed moments of immaturity, sure. I pulled him up on it directly—I believe in high standards—but I also made it clear to him that he has made significant progress.

It reminded me of the "Human in the Loop" philosophy I advocate for ; we have to see the person behind the behaviour. By highlighting his maturation rather than just his mistakes, I’m giving him the evidence he needs to believe in his own growth.

The Domestic Logistics Hack

Finally, I’m applying this pragmatic mindset to my home life. I have a rare Friday off coming up. The romantic in me thinks I should do something exciting. The pragmatist in me knows I’m going to crank up the music and attack the household chores.

Why? Because clearing the physical clutter clears the mental load.

This brings me to my daughter’s 5th birthday. Last year, we did it the "hard" way: hired a hall, bouncy castle, DIY food, decorations. We were shattered. It was an inefficiency nightmare.

This year, I’ve applied an executive function hack: Outsourcing. We booked a soft play centre. They provide the venue, the food, and the cleanup. We just turn up with a cake. It’s cheaper, less stressful, and requires zero organisation.

Some might say it’s lazy. I say it’s smart resource management. Life isn't short—it’s the longest thing we’ll ever do—but time moves fast. I want to spend that time enjoying my daughter's birthday, not stressing over sandwich platters.

A Final Bit of Fun

To sign off, I’ve been using my downtime to help a colleague with a photo album for her sister-in-law. I’ve been using Generative AI to edit her into famous movie scenes—running from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, flying planes in King Kong, even attending the Royal Wedding.

It’s silly, but it’s another reminder of how technology can bridge gaps. Whether it’s using AI to help me write reports or using it to make a friend laugh, these tools allow us to present the best versions of our ideas to the world.

And right now, I’m very happy with how those ideas are coming together.

"This text was conceived and directed by a human, using Voice-to-Text and AI assistance to overcome a dyslexia induced literacy barrier."