Mapping the Future : How Preterm Brain Injury Shapes Neurodevelopment

Abstract

Cynthia Li was a semi-finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Cynthia presented the research titled “Mapping The Future: How Preterm Brain Injury Shapes Neurodevelopment.” Every year, many babies are born preterm, putting them at risk for short- and long-term health complications. Brain injury is common in these infants and can affect development, leading to challenges with thinking, learning, and movement. However, outcomes vary widely between children, and we still do not fully understand why. This research examines how early brain injuries affect the development of brain networks with the goal to help clinicians better predict developmental outcomes and guide earlier, more targeted interventions. Cynthia Li is completing a MSc in Women+ and Children's Health Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology under the supervision of Dr. Thiviya Selvanathan #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.