Current Role and Affiliation
Jeremy Nagel is a PhD candidate and researcher at RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His academic and professional focus centers on developing technology solutions to enhance inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals, specifically those with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Jeremy leverages his own experiences as an autistic person with ADHD to inform and guide his research and product development.
Research and Innovation
Nagel’s doctoral research rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of digital tools designed to support neurodiverse users, with a particular emphasis on productivity and focus management applications. He investigates how everyday computer usage data—such as tab-switching behavior and multitasking patterns—can be harnessed to detect declining focus and gently prompt users to recharge without causing irritation. This research aims to inform the design of software that is genuinely neuroinclusive rather than frustrating.
He is the founder of Focus Bear, a productivity app tailored primarily for ADHD and autistic users. Focus Bear’s methodology, known as “B.E.A.R,” provides a four-step framework to enhance task engagement and routine-building while mitigating burnout. The app’s features include breaking tasks into manageable pieces, making work enjoyable, applying AI-driven distraction blocks, and encouraging strategic recharging. Focus Bear has attracted over 7,000 users and maintains a 4.9-star rating on app stores. The app recently secured funding from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to offer free access for up to 400 university students.
Nagel is actively expanding the app’s capabilities by integrating smarter AI features and gamification, and planning multilingual support. Given that research indicates approximately 17% of Australian university students meet clinical criteria for ADHD, his focus on university and workplace applications aligns with a significant underserved market.
Professional and Academic Background
Jeremy holds multiple certifications related to software development and cloud technologies, including:
- Zoho Creator Developer Certification (2014)
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (2017)
- AWS Certified Developer Associate (2019)
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (2018)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2017)
Before his current research role, Jeremy’s career involved diverse development roles spanning frontend, backend, infrastructure, and developer experience improvements. He has earned multiple awards and scholarships, such as:
- Telstra Digital Scholarship (best startup pitch at Telstra Digital Summit, 2013)
- Project Achievement Award, School for Social Entrepreneurs (2012)
- St Gallens Wings of Excellence Award (for social entrepreneurship, 2012)
He has authored publications in bioinformatics, notably in protein research during his honours thesis, illustrating a strong foundation in computational biology and data analysis. Key publications include:
- PolyQ 2.0: an improved version of PolyQ, a database of human polyglutamine proteins
- Critical evaluation of in silico methods for prediction of coiled-coil domains in proteins
Further, Jeremy has experience presenting technical talks (e.g., on mutation testing) and writing widely on topics like neurodiversity in the workplace, managing ADHD, and educational reform tailored to neurodivergent learners.
Involvement in Neurodiversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Jeremy actively participates in and promotes neurodiversity support initiatives at RMIT University, including the Neurodiverse Study Sessions. These sessions provide structured, sensory-friendly, and inclusive study environments designed to improve academic outcomes and wellbeing for neurodivergent students. He utilizes the principle of body doubling in these sessions, which fosters accountability and focus by working alongside peers.
His advocacy and lived experience position him as a knowledgeable voice in neurodiversity, with a focus on translating personal challenges into scalable technology solutions and university support structures.
Skills and Languages
- Software Development & Architecture
- Research Methodologies for Neurodiversity and Productivity Technologies
- Cloud Infrastructure: AWS ecosystem
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Fluency in English; limited working proficiency in German; elementary proficiency in French and Mandarin Chinese
Professional Reputation
Jeremy Nagel is recognized by colleagues as a focused, collaborative, and highly skilled developer and researcher. He is noted for his ability to integrate technical excellence with a strong motivation to improve workplace culture and accessibility. His LinkedIn network exceeds 5,600 followers, and he has received multiple peer recommendations highlighting his passion and collaborative spirit.
This detailed profile reflects Jeremy Nagel’s combined expertise in software development, neurodiversity research, and product innovation within the academic and technology sectors at RMIT University. His unique perspective as both a researcher and neurodiverse individual underscores his commitment to designing inclusive technology that addresses real user needs, making him a key figure in advancing neuroinclusive software solutions.
