Welcome!
I’m Neuroscienctist Dr Sarah McKay
Discover brain science that’s practical, evidence-based, and actually makes sense
You’ve probably figured out by now – neuroscience is my thing. And if you’re here, chances are you’re curious about how the brain works too. You’re in the right place.
Neuroscience is fascinating – broad, deep, complex, and yes, even a little mysterious. But it’s also transformative, especially when applied to real life. And learning about the brain isn’t just for scientists, doctors, or academics.
If you’ve ever felt like neuroscience is locked behind academic paywalls, buried in jargon, or made inaccessible by researchers talking only to each other, you’re not alone. And if you’ve encountered so-called “brain gurus” promoting outdated, oversimplified, or flat-out mythical neuro-nonsense – you’re definitely not alone.
This space is different.
I create clear, evidence-based neuroscience content for everyday people – coaches, professionals, educators, leaders, and anyone who wants to apply brain science to life, learning, work, health, or wellbeing.
My books teaching, and online training courses are designed to help you:
- Understand the brain in simple, relatable terms
- Access the latest neuroscience research without the jargon
- Apply practical, research-backed strategies to your daily life
- Cut through the myths and find what actually works
I use real-world examples, common sense, and humour to make neuroscience feel accessible, exciting, and deeply relevant. Because understanding your brain shouldn’t be confusing – it should be empowering.
About Dr Sarah McKay (in short)
I’m a Kiwi-born, Australian-based neuroscientist, author, speaker, and founder of Think Brain and the Neuroscience Academy training programs.
I translate brain science into practical strategies for helping professionals – so they can support brain owners in ways that spark real change and inspire meaningful action.
When I’m not talking neuroscience, I’m a mum to two teenage boys, a watercolour artist, an ocean swimmer, and a part-time sailor (co-captain with my husband).
The ‘Official’ Bio
Dr Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist who translates brain research into strategies for professionals working in health, education and coaching. She received her PhD from Oxford, but after five years of postdoc research, she hung up her lab coat to set up Think Brain — a science communications business that bridges the gap between the lab and everyday life.
Sarah is the author of The Women's Brain Book—The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness, which explores the female lifespan through the lens of neurobiology. In 2019, Sarah hosted an episode of ABC Catalyst exploring brain health, bio-hacking and longevity. Her second book, Baby Brain—the surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better), was published in 2023.
Sarah is the director of The Neuroscience Academy, which offers professional development training in applied neuroscience and brain health.
Sarah has been published extensively for consumers and professional audiences. She’s been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Grazia, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and Mamamia and can be seen and heard on SBS Insight, ABC Catalyst, ABC Radio National, Radio New Zealand, and Channel 7.
Sarah lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches with her Irish husband and together they are raising two surfer dudes and one cocker spaniel.
a. Here’s where it all started
Brain science and I first met and fell in love way back in 1993 after I read Oliver Sack’s book ‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat’. It impacted me profoundly and from that moment I knew little else would fascinate me more than the human brain.
After completing an honours degree in Neuroscience at Otago University in New Zealand, I won a Wellcome Trust scholarship to complete my MSc and PhD at Oxford University (where, thrillingly, I followed in Oliver Sacks’ footsteps).
I spent my time at Oxford studying the fine art of electrophysiology and answering questions about brain development — what guided synapse growth: nature, nurture or neuroplasticity?’
In 2002, my Irish husband and I headed to Sydney, Australia in search of sunshine, surf and a sailboat (for a year, ahem). I’m delighted to say we found them all (and stayed)!
b. My career
Following a short stint rewriting breast cancer clinical practice guidelines at a cancer council, I spent the next five years researching and teaching neuroscience.
During my first postdoc position at NeuRA, I focused on the immune system response to spinal cord injury. At my second postdoc post at Garvan Institute of Medical Research, I looked at neuroplasticity and the development of deafness.
Passionate as I was about research, I found myself getting frustrated with failed experiments, the grant application merry-go-round, and the unbearable slowness of the academic publication process.
Meanwhile, I found my happy place sharing science with public tour groups, teaching medical students, and writing for online science Q&A forums (back in the good old days before social media!). So after much soul-searching, I put down the pipette, hung up my lab coat, and followed my passion of writing and talking about science and medicine.
c. Since 2008
I’ve combined running Think Brain Pty Ltd with raising my two boys on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Yes, I miss the lab. Especially the intellectual challenges and the dedicated and creative scientists I used to spend my days with. But I also like to connect the dots between ideas and disciplines and share my insights with the public. So in my business, I’ve found the best of both worlds.
When I’m not at the beach, I spend my days sharing the latest neuroscience research and its many practical applications in my book, at speaking gigs around the country ,and through my online professional development programs.
You can see where I have appeared on TV and other media below.
Watch Sarah's TEDx Talk
Work with Dr Sarah
Sarah’s winning combination of education, inspiration and the practical application of brain science in our daily lives has cemented her reputation as an audience favourite.
The Neuroscience Academy is for coaches, therapists and helping professionals who care about their own development and deeply about the work they do to help others.
A fascinating and comprehensive guide to the female brain during every life stage from infancy to puberty, the menstrual cycle to motherhood and menopause.
Please note
I am not a medical doctor. I'm a PhD trained scientist. Please read my DISCLAIMER about consulting a professional medical doctor for any advice or concerns you may have about your own or someone else’s health and wellbeing.
And to see my academic credentials click here and for my academic publications click here.
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