Dr Sarah McKay

Dr Sarah McKay is a leading neuroscientist and science communicator who specialises in translating brain science research into simple, actionable strategies for peak performance, creativity, women's health and wellbeing.

Sarah has been published extensively for public, academic and professional audiences. She's been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Body & Soul as well as appearances on SBS's Insight, ABC Radio National, Mamamia, NZ Radio National, ABC's Catalyst, and Business Chicks. Her books include The Women's Brain Book: The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness (Hachette) and Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better) also published by Hachette here and in the UK.

Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in neuroscience at Otago University NZ before heading to Oxford University for her MSc and PhD training. After five years of postdoctoral research in brain plasticity and spinal injury research, she hung up her lab coat to pursue a career in science communications.

Sarah coaches teachers, therapists and other helping professionals how to thoughtfully apply insights and tools from neuroscience to their work. She is the director of Think Brain, which offers a suite of professional development training programs in applied neuroscience and brain health. She and her Irish husband have settled on Sydney's Northern Beaches, where they are bringing up two surfer dudes.

Sarah’s Brain Science for Dummies (Wiley) will publish in 2025.