Name: Sam Dodd

Position at Ārepa: Neuroscientist

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Being active and being outside 

Who is your Brain Hero and why? (role model):
Sir Richard Faull and Sam Harris - Richard Faull taught me and inspired me to pursue neuroscience and was knighted for his service to medical research whilst I was a part of his research group. Sam Harris is my favourite source of all things neuroscience.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being part of a team that is committed to using clinical neuroscience to provide a product that can benefit literally anyone’s neurological health.

What was your dream job growing up?
Initially a sportsman and then anything involving brain health and mental wellbeing

The zombie apocalypse is coming - what three people would you want on your team?
Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg and Emma Stone

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Not direct advice but favourite quote - “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” - Einstein

What’s your one mental well-being habit you like to do?
Morning yoga

What inspires you?
People around me, particularly family, friends and colleagues. Also underdogs.

If you were prime minister for the day what change would you make?
Bolster funding for scientific research and innovation in NZ