Meet Abe Lindley

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abe Lindley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Abe, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Growing up, there were three things that were my whole existence: making things, providing for others, and animals. As a kid, I was extremely lucky to live on a beautiful plot of land in the country of Tennessee with three siblings, nine dogs, and five cats, so my days were made up of tromping through the woods with my first pocket knife, a roll of duct tape, and a wad of twine. To be clear, that is the ultimate tool kit, and that is what sparked my love for the craft. I saw it as clear as day, a house bound in twine, a fire pit (no fire), and an expertly carved arsenal of weapons. Thank God my oldest brother taught me how to make a bow and arrow out of bamboo when I was seven. I carved soap, made cakes, and just loved those science experiment kits. I suppose I liked seeing something come out of “nothing.”

When I wasn’t making, I was trying to provide for my three older siblings and their friends. From foot baths to “therapy sessions,” I was a one stop eight year old shop. I have always wanted to make the world a better place, coming up with great inventions or problem solving solutions for everything from how to reduce methane emissions to flying cars to renewable energy resources. I wanted to help, so my dream jobs from the age of 12 to 18 ranged from Environmental Scientist to Pediatric Oncologist to Neuroscientist.

I homeschooled through high school, which left a lot to be desired for my classroom knowledge, as my days from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. were spent in the barn riding horses, mucking stalls, and everything in between except homework. Eleven years of hard labor and amazing horses were incredibly rewarding. I learned my work ethic, communication skills, and how to fall and get back up… repeatedly, every day. Show jumping was my whole life; horses were my everything, and they taught me my most invaluable lessons.

When COVID came around and horse shows were on pause, I started to find my creativity again, mostly through my self expression and clothes. By the time it came to go to college, I thought fashion was for me! I toured Savannah College of Art and Design as a favor to my mom, touring teenage Kendy’s dream school. Safe to say, I fell in love. The well of creativity that is Savannah as a whole was something I had never even imagined could exist. I was in for the long haul, so I decided to take a peek at the list of majors, and that wondrous list of majors is how I found that little stick loving crafty girls dream major, Industrial Design.

I discovered my senior year of high school that I struggle with dysautonomia, this is a condition that means my autonomic nervous system does not operate correctly. I dedicated so much time to researching and understanding the differnt nervous systems, in doing so it made me realize how facinated I am by the brain.

Through my years at SCAD, I found a way to combine the things that make up my core programming. More specifically, how I can apply science and problem solving to help people through an innovative product. Desiging for the user, starting with the brain, and how I can influence a better tomorrow, filled with happier, more content, and loving people. I found out how I can be me, do the things I love, and change the world. I think I have some pretty amazing angels guiding me to my purpose, I just make sure to always be doing what brings me happiness and share the love.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an aspiring neuro designer, aiming to merge groundbreaking neuroscience research and technologies with industrial design methods and techniques. I want to revolutionize public health by streamlining the relationship between design and science. I am currently enrolled in an executive course titled “Neuroscience for Design” at Poli Design an Italian program that bridges academic research with design, highlighting the importance of breaking the boundaries. Utililizing design to implement problem solving solutions to the questions research poses and technology allows us to implement. I am moving to Boston after I graduate in May to network and collaborate with researches in the neuroscience capital. I am joining all relevant events and siezing all opportunities in the neuroscience field that can further my interdisciplinary knowledge and aid my mission. I aim to help people understand how to utilize their brains to their fullest potential. The keys to being things such as happier and more productive start by learning where you are starting from, what is learnable, meassurable, and innate. I want to make that knowledge accessible to every person.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think my curiosity, dedication to craftsmanship, and storytelling are my three most valuable qualities. With these I have the continued desire to learn, can easily convey my vision, and craft a compelling argument for my ideas.
My advice for people who are starting off their journey is to hold close what got you into the game, your taste. No matter how faulty you feel your skills are dont be discouraged, skills come after you master dedication. If curiosity is not something you have naturally, ask every question that crosses your mind, if no one knows the answers, google it. The more you know the more curious you will be.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am looking to collaborate with dedicated and driven nerds, such as scientists, researchers, engineers, fellow designers and anyone else with a passion for enhancing humankinds wellbeing and longevity. I am looking for people in Boston who value working with different diciplines to create incredible solutions. If you are reading this and are like “wow that sounds like me” please reach out, Im accesible at my email: [email protected] or my LinkedIn!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abelindley.com/
• Instagram: abelindley7
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abe-lindley
• Other: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14E-F0QaSvD7On6hkjX1bgUejGTgvjPLY/view?usp=share_link
  this is a link to my portfolio as well if that is interesting.

Image Credits

fig 1. Sheri Angeles
fig 2. Ami Frost
fig 3. me
fig 4. Will Forester
fig 5 & 6 N/A
fig 7. Abigail Wornock
Fig 8. Sportfot (Photographer N/A)