October Student/Alumni Spotlight – Athena Stevens
- A Farrell
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
From Shakespeare’s Stage to Neuropsychology: Reclaiming Narrative Through Science and Story
Athena Stevens brings artistry, intellect, and fierce resilience to every part of her journey. As a former Associate Artist at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Athena contributed to the stage with passion and skill. But when the Globe argued in an employment tribunal that—even though she lives with cerebral palsy—she does not have a neurological disorder, something in her shifted.
Rather than accept the framing, Athena used that moment as a catalyst. She enrolled in graduate studies in psychology, ultimately pursuing an MLA at Harvard with a focus on neuropsychology. Her academic path led her to explore how her hypoxic brain injury influences more than movement—that it also affects cognition, emotion, and the architecture of her brain. As part of this inquiry, she underwent advanced neuroimaging (including magnetoencephalography, or MEG) and re-examined the foundational assumptions about disability, neurology, and identity.
Her research and lived experience converge in her book What’s Done Cannot Be Undone, published by HarperCollins. The book navigates the contours of her legal battle, her personal reclamation, and her life beyond trauma. The audiobook is now available on Audible, with the U.S. print edition released in January.
Athena also co-hosts Neuroblast, a new podcast she launched with Harvard Extension School professor Tracy Tokahama-Espinosa, which explores cutting-edge conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and learning.
With every turn of her story, Athena invites us all to reconsider: What does it mean to live with, study, and transcend a brain injury? And who gets to define neurological legitimacy?
✨Nominate Now!We are seeking nominations to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of HES students and alumni in the field of psychology. Whether you know someone making a difference or want to share your own achievements, we encourage you to submit—self-nominations are welcome! ✉️email us at hespsc@g.harvard.edu
