Headshot of Lydia Hickman

Lydia Hickman

Graduate student
University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom

Lydia Hickman is a graduate student in the Cook Lab at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. In her Ph.D. work, she explores the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying motor function and social cognition in the context of autism and Parkinson’s disease. Lydia co-founded the U21 Autism Research Network, an international collaboration among six research groups aiming to improve diversity and inclusion in autism research.

From this contributor

Explore more from The Transmitter

Newly identified barrier cells seal off choroid plexus from CSF, rest of brain

A long-overlooked layer of fibroblasts exists inside the choroid plexus of mice and humans, adding complexity to the area’s compartmentalization.

By Claudia López Lloreda
3 April 2026 | 4 min read

‘Digital sphinx’ raises questions about connectome models

The sphinx, with a worm’s brain and a fly’s body, illustrates the potential pitfalls of using deep-learning techniques to model biological processes.

By Natalia Mesa
2 April 2026 | 5 min read

Taking a closer look at astrocytes and autism

These glial cells are increasingly linked to neurodevelopmental conditions and the regulation of social behaviors and anxiety.

By The Transmitter
2 April 2026 | 2 min read