Jerusha Mather: STEM change maker and disability advocate

Jerusha Mather is a young neuroscientist living with cerebral palsy. Her research looks at how we can improve strength gains using non-invasive brain stimulation in adults with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Her core mission is to level the playing field for people living with physical disability. 

Hi Jerusha. You are a STEM change maker and a fierce advocate for people with disabilities. Tell us more.

Even though I am more than qualified, I have found it very difficult to gain entry into medical school. People with disabilities face considerable discrimination. We deal withadmission requirements that aren’t adjusted appropriately to fit all. For example dictation, reading, performing tests, break requirements etc can be a hurdle in these tests. When undergoing interviews society holds significant bias against people with visible disabilities.

I have always been very honest and open about experiencingthis discrimination through social media. I have actively shed light on the issue through conversations with the Australian Medical Student Assistance and the Australian Medical Council. Eventually I was acknowledged by the Australian Academy of Science as a STEM changemaker for my efforts to create change for aspiring medical students with physicaldisabilities and other areas of disability rights.

What achievements are you most proud of?

I’m pretty proud of all my achievements! I have written a poetry book called Burnt Bones and Beautiful Butterflies. I have been featured in the media a lot and have spoken at several events as a motivational speaker and disability advocate. I have won the 2021 Bridge Create Change Award for my efforts. But the most memorable and touchingachievement was having my portrait hung in Questacon, National Science and Technology Centre ACT. I hope my story and words will aspire future scientists. I want to make things better so we can live in a world free of discrimination and with freedom of choice for all.

You have been selected for the 2020b L’Oreal – UNESCO for Women in Science (FWIS) mentoring program. What does this mean to you?

It meant a lot to be mentored by Dr Valerie Sung, one of Australia’s top medical researchers. We talked a lot about personal issues as well as career opportunities. She encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine. She offered strategies to make this happen and made me believe I could do it.

What fuels your motivation? And when your motivation bucket runs low, what fills it?

I love to listen to uplifting hymns and say a deep prayer for strength and joy. I always find that will bring about the best version of me. It’s simple and good for the soul. I love to write and sing. I also get energy through the support from the public for my work as I can tell it is well received. I hope to be contributing to a profound system reform.

How can we be better allies for people with disabilities?

By partnering with people with disabilities and creatingopportunities for them. We need to work on an accessible and inclusive society. Representation is huge if we want to break the stigma.

What advice would you give to someone who feels held back due to their disability?

Don’t be afraid to challenge the norms and fight for your rights. Hold you views and don’t lose your glow and positivity when facing adversity. Positive dreamers are winners. Our words have transformational power: what we declare over our own life is crucial to what we eventually become.

And finally, what is you biggest hope for the future?

I really hope I will finally get into medical school and contribute meaningfully to the world of medicine.