Sooyeon Choi
Class of 2026Concord, New Hampshire
About
Hello! My name is Sooyeon Choi, but I go by Danielle. My project will be based on neuroscience and focused on autism and other learning disorders. My final project will result in a research paper I can publish in a high school journal.Projects
- "What are the structural differences in brain regions associated with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how do these differences relate to variations in ASD symptomatology?" with mentor Aya (Working project)
Project Portfolio
What are the structural differences in brain regions associated with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how do these differences relate to variations in ASD symptomatology?
Started Nov. 4, 2024
Abstract or project description
Structural brain differences in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) provide insight into the neurological basis of the condition and its diverse symptomatology. Research indicates that individuals with ASD often exhibit alterations in brain volume, cortical thickness, and connectivity, particularly in regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and cerebellum. These structural differences are associated with core ASD symptoms, such as difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. For example, reduced amygdala volume may correlate with impairments in emotional recognition, while cerebellar abnormalities are linked to motor coordination challenges. A student working on this topic could focus on investigating how variations in the size and connectivity of specific brain regions in ASD contribute to differences in social and cognitive functioning. By integrating neuroimaging data with behavioral assessments, the project could aim to identify neural biomarkers that predict individual symptom profiles, advancing personalized approaches to ASD interventions.