Lillian Thies | Polygence
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Symposium

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Spring 2025

Lillian will be presenting at The Symposium of Rising Scholars on Saturday, March 22nd! To attend the event and see Lillian's presentation.

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Lillian Thies's profile

Lillian Thies

Class of 2027G, Missouri

About

Hello, My name is Lillian Thies. My research project is focused on whether genetic disposition or stem calls could help predict premature delivery and neonatology outcomes. I am currently taking pre-med high school classes at Northwestern University. I play varsity volleyball, tennis, and basketball. I started the first-ever medical club at my school this year. I completed a medical research class at Georgetown University and participated in my first research project through the University of Missouri School of Engineering. I know problem-solving and critical thinking.

Projects

  • "Impact of Maternal Negative Social Behaviors on Premature Infants' Neurological and Developmental Outcomes" with mentor Naomi (Working project)

Project Portfolio

Impact of Maternal Negative Social Behaviors on Premature Infants' Neurological and Developmental Outcomes

Started May 6, 2024

Abstract or project description

In the context of increasing awareness about autism and the need for preventive fetal medicine interventions, researchers continue to evaluate the impacts of maternal behaviors that could inevitably influence a greater chance of neurological dysfunction with the ultimate goal of eliminating risk. This study aims to investigate the effects of negative social behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use, during intrauterine pregnancy on premature infants' brain development. The study seeks to explore the potential correlation between maternal substance use and the increased risk of premature infants developing neurological and developmental disorders such as autism. A comprehensive literature review will analyze existing studies on the topic, focusing on maternal behaviors' physiological and neurological impact on fetal brain development. Additionally, this review will involve data analysis from clinical studies that include behavioral assessments to determine the long-term effects of intrauterine exposure to negative social behaviors on premature infants. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between maternal social behaviors and the neurological outcomes of premature infants, potentially leading to improved preventive measures and interventions to reduce the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in this vulnerable population.