# Track 4 (Phase II): The Autism Self-advocacy Center for Equity and Neurodiversity in Engineering (The A-SCENE)

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Vanderbilt University (TN) · $4,000,000

## Abstract

Neurodiversity is an emerging paradigm through which neurological differences, traditionally viewed only in terms of disability -- autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia -- are instead viewed as human variations having associated impairments but also unique strengths highly relevant to STEM. Yet this group, now representing at least 20% of the US population, does not sufficiently participate   in the STEM workforce: recent work suggests that only 11% of STEM undergraduates are neurodiverse, and a 2021 NSF report suggests that only 4.4% of all STEM PhD recipients are neurodiverse. Growing research evidence suggests enhanced abilities and skills in neurodiverse learners highly relevant to the engineering workforce. Examples include enhanced divergent thinking in ADHD, success in competitive colleges for autistic students, and enhanced cognitive and socio-emotional resilience, visuo-spatial ability, and emotional reactivity with corresponding neural differences in dyslexia. This project will address the opportunity to more fully enable this underutilized workforce by standing up a new Center called The Autism Self-advocacy Center for Equity and Neurodiversity in Engineering (A-SCENE). The project’s vision is to model a fully interconnected system of programs, activities, and supports to ensure that neurodiverse students can access and succeed in engineering careers, from the undergraduate experience, to graduate training and professional de

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2408191
- **Awardee organization:** Vanderbilt University (TN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GTNBNWXJ12D5
- **PI:** Krishnendu Roy
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** DISABILITY RES & HOMECARE TECH, ENGINEERING EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $4,000,000
- **Funds obligated:** $4,000,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2408191

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2408191, Track 4 (Phase II): The Autism Self-advocacy Center for Equity and Neurodiversity in Engineering (The A-SCENE). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2408191. Licensed CC0.

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