Structural and Functional Neural Mechanisms of Theory of Mind Development

As a computer science and neuroscience dual major in university, I obtained a foundational understanding of both the computational methods and neuroscientific theory behind cognitive neuroscience research. My interests, at the junction of computational and developmental cognitive neuroscience, are well aligned to the aims of this studentship project exploring the development of theory of mind (ToM) reasoning.Through my PhD, I am excited to build upon the foundational experiences I have gained in analyzing both neuroimaging and behavioral data to further uncover the neural mechanisms underlying children's social learning. Since ToM reasoning lies at the heart of social cognition research, I am most interested in studying the neural mechanisms underlying the development of ToM reasoning. Considering the diversecontexts in which children learn ToM reasoning is especially exciting to me, given the implications for school readiness [1], mental health [2], and social success [3]. I am eager to characterize the changes in patterns of activation in ToM brain regions that correspond to the onset of children's abilities to reason about others' mental states, both because these changes are not well understood and because I am optimistic that I have acquired the relevant skills to be useful in driving this specific line of inquiry forward.This studentship project with Drs. Hilary Richardson and Mark Bastin will allow me to address the gaps in our current understanding of the development of ToM reasoning. The research I complete will investigatethe neural mechanisms of the development of ToM reasoning using functional neuroimaging data to characterize the changes that occur in the brain as children learn ToM reasoning. On this particular project, I can take advantage of my experience with neuroimaging methods, interest in social learning,and command over computational modeling to push this project forward. My past research experienceshave also made me confident in my ability to successfully learn any new, complex analysis methods that will be essential for completing this work.After the successful completion of this studentship, I look forward to delving deeper into characterizing typical and atypical development trajectories of ToM reasoning, to lay the foundation for interventions that assist children in overcoming difficulties with school readiness, mental health, and social success. I am excited to develop my own research program further characterizing neural development associated with social learning using the methods and knowledge that I cultivate during my PhD with Drs. Richardson and Bastin. This important line of research is essential in furthering our collective understanding of how children develop their social reasoning abilities.