Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development and mental health. During this time, some young people experience unusual thoughts or perceptions, called psychotic-like experiences, that can signal early risk for more serious mental health problems later in life, including depression, suicidality, or psychotic disorders. Early life adversity (ELA), such as exposure to violence, neglect, or instability. can strongly influence how the brain develops. Stressful experiences during childhood can alter how different brain regions communicate with one another, disrupting the brain's ability to process information efficiently. These changes in brain network organization may make some youth more vulnerable to emotional and perceptual difficulties. This project will use data from the Toronto Adolescent and Youth (TAY) Study, a large longitudinal study following over 1,000 participants across 5 years. By combining brain imaging, psychological questionnaires, and cognitive testing, we will examine how early life adversity affects brain network organization and whether these brain changes predict later symptoms or suicide risk. We will also develop computer models to identify which patterns best predict poor outcomes and test whether these models apply to other large youth datasets. Understanding how early experiences shape brain development will help identify at-risk youth earlier and guide interventions that promote resilience. This research aims to improve youth mental health by linking early adversity to measurable brain changes that can inform prevention and treatment strategies.