# An Engaging Dialogue with Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D.
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Matt Williams-Spooner
In my role as a writer and editor, one of my ambitions is to connect my audience with influential voices through interviews, a journey that began in 2019. Recently, I became part of Medium Friendship and discovered that its early supporters anticipate thoughtfully curated content and greater visibility for prominent writers.
To achieve these goals, I remain committed to sharing meaningful and articulate pieces while introducing the talented individuals behind them to my readers. In this article, I'm excited to share an interview with Dr. Matt Williams-Spooner, a recent addition to the Medium community, whose writing is marked by its profound insights and clarity.
Matt's unique approach to writing captivates his audience, as he conveys complex scientific concepts in a friendly and relatable manner. As an avid reader and curator across various platforms, I find Matt's work particularly compelling due to his ability to simplify intricate scientific ideas for a broader audience.
This interview offers a glimpse into Matt's background and motivations, helping you connect with him on a personal level.
Section 1.1: Matt's Background
Q: Can you share a bit about your background, Matt?
A: I am an evolutionary neurobiologist eager to disseminate knowledge about biology, evolution, and complex systems. Although researchers have amassed substantial evidence, much of it fails to reach the public—the very people who fund these studies. Science can feel overwhelming, and I strive to make the natural world more comprehensible for everyone.
Hailing from a working-class family in Sydney, Australia, I initially worked in retail and hospitality. During my university studies in Sydney, I took a hiatus to volunteer with a human rights NGO in northern Thailand, known as DEPDC/GMS, which focuses on preventing human trafficking through education and community outreach.
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I’ve always had a passion for sports, particularly tennis. I am also an avid reader, and writing has evolved from a hobby into a significant part of my life. My fiancée and I live near the beach, so we frequently enjoy coastal walks and beach outings. We both love traveling and music, often participating in events hosted by our musician friends. Additionally, I plan to launch a podcast titled "Wisdom of the Crowd," inspired by a social science phenomenon.
Section 1.2: Influential Reads
Q: What are three books that have significantly impacted your life?
A:
- "Power, Sex & Suicide" by evolutionary biochemist Nick Lane helped me grasp the forces shaping evolution.
- "How Emotions Are Made" by psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett is an outstanding work for understanding the complexities of the brain and mind.
- "Burn" by anthropologist Herman Pontzer is essential reading for anyone interested in weight management and health.
Chapter 2: Matt's Scientific Journey
Q: Can you elaborate on your journey into science?
A: My path to science was unconventional. In high school, I found science intimidating and thought it was only for the exceptionally intelligent, so I focused on humanities. I initially pursued psychology at university but found the field too rigid for my liking. Ironically, I had studied significant scientific material by then and developed a passion for it, eventually becoming a behavioral neuroscientist focusing on evolution and molecular biology related to learning and memory.
Q: How do you approach scientific work?
A: I was fortunate to pursue my Ph.D. under excellent mentors who emphasized a methodical approach, tackling problems in manageable portions. This strategy proved successful for me, leading to intriguing discoveries about memory mechanisms and the role of NMDA receptors in learning. More recently, I researched memory effects due to neuron deletion in the amygdala and how dopamine influences learning.
Q: What scientific topics excite you the most?
A:
- At a macro level, I find evolution, bioenergetics, and systems thinking crucial for framing questions and seeking meaningful answers.
- On a more personal level, I’m intrigued by health issues, such as weight management, exercise, and mental health.
- At the molecular level, I am passionate about the biochemistry of metabolism, which connects various scientific disciplines.
We are currently experiencing a convergence in these fields, leading to vital insights into health and disease.
Chapter 3: Work-Life Balance and Healthy Living
Q: How do you maintain work-life balance?
A: Honestly, science often disrupts work-life balance. If you're entering this field, be prepared for significant unpaid overtime, especially in North America. I practice intermittent fasting to manage my weight and aim for an average daily step count of at least 10,000. I also prioritize sleep and maintaining supportive relationships, as social connections are critical for our well-being.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring scientists?
A: Science is rewarding yet challenging. If you’re considering this path, develop resilience, as the journey involves frequent setbacks and demanding work without guaranteed outcomes. Read extensively, write often, and be ready for constructive criticism. If you can withstand the tough times, the rewards are incredibly fulfilling.
Section 3.1: Joining Medium
Q: What motivated you to join Medium?
A: I was inspired by the founder, Sompop Jantraka, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. My time with him reshaped my perspective on life and knowledge-sharing. I hope my articles on Medium reflect that same spirit of empowering others through information.
Chapter 4: Writing Philosophy and Reader Engagement
Q: What are your core values as a writer?
A: I value freedom, democracy, and equality, which are fundamental to ensuring a free flow of information in society. My aim is to contribute to this network of knowledge-sharing, as I believe it fosters a positive feedback loop that benefits everyone.
Q: How do you connect with your audience?
A: I strive to write conversationally, addressing topics that resonate with many people and breaking down complex information to empower informed choices.
Chapter 5: Conclusion
Q: What are your top recommendations for new writers?
A: Continuous improvement is key. Write frequently, learn from others, and keep an open mind. If you face challenges with inspiration, try jotting down your thoughts or increasing your reading.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D. I hope you explore his work on Medium and find it as enriching as I do. Feel free to reach out to Matt through ILLUMINATION’s Slack workspace for potential collaborations.
For additional insights, check out my recent introduction of another neuroscientist duo, Pernoste & Dahl, who create impactful work that resonates deeply with readers.
