From Brain Development to Academic Success: Optimizing Learning Outcomes Through Lifestyle and Connection
Project by Polygence alum Jasmine

Project's result
This project combines several topics, including neuroscience, psychology, and education, to identify biological, lifestyle, and sociocultural factors that influence academic outcomes for children from low-income backgrounds. By examining the different roles each factor has on children, it has been recommended that educators, families, and policymakers should work together to create a supportive learning environment. Additionally, programs such as Mind Yeti and the HEALING Matters Alliance aim to provide basic necessities as well as improve mindfulness to enhance cognitive skills in children. These programs specifically should continue to develop and improve to ensure that disadvantaged children feel supported throughout many communities. With the help of continuous scientific research on the developing brain and education, students will achieve their full potential in school and in the long term.
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Summary
During children’s early years of life, brain development plays an important role in their ability to learn. However, many children, especially those from low-income households, have fewer resources for obtaining better education and a safe learning environment, which impacts their ability to learn. It is crucial to study this current issue to create more opportunities for academic success. This paper will examine the factors that influence brain development and learning outcomes in children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. A few other areas this paper will focus on include how learning occurs at different developmental stages in the brain. Next, it will discuss lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity that influence learning. Then, the impact of socioeconomic status on learning will be analyzed. Lastly, a few methods to optimize learning in children will be discussed. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how brain development, daily lifestyle, and socioeconomic status may influence learning outcomes in children. The overall objective of this study is to identify strategies that can support educators, families, and policymakers to help improve children's academic progress and help them reach their full potential, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

Ana
Polygence mentor
MS Master of Science
Subjects
Psychology, Biology, Social Science, Neuroscience
Expertise
Biology, Neuroscience, Epidemiology, Neuroepidemiology, Social and Behavioral Epidemiology, Developmental Psychology, Behavioral Psychology
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Jasmine
Student
Graduation Year
2026
Project review
“I was expecting to be given a heavy workload or unclear instructions, but while in this program, my workload did not interfere to much with my schoolwork and I liked how there were step-by-step instructions on what each section of the research paper should look like. I also liked how the mentor was friendly and gave criticism in a nice manner.”
About my mentor
“My mentor Ana was supporitve and understanding throughout the entire project, giving instructions and answering questions clearly.”
Check out their profile