Shirley Liu is a student at Shanghai World Foreign Language Academy in China. She has earned a Global Gold Award in the British Biology Olympiad and a National Second Award in Brain Bee. She also received the Tetragonal Badge Scholarship Award, one of her school’s highest academic honours.
Beyond academics, Shirley is an active member of her school’s Student Union. She has helped organise volunteer initiatives supporting autistic children and teaching programming to children from disadvantaged communities. She also contributed to the organisation of her school’s annual FM Charity event.
Researching Concept Neurons and Abstract Representation
At CCIR Academy, Shirley explored neuroscience through her research paper, The Emergence and Functions of Concept Neurons in Abstract Representation.
Her study examines how concept neurons develop and contribute to the brain’s ability to form abstract representations. It explores how the brain recognises patterns, categorises information, and connects ideas across different contexts.
Understanding Higher-Level Cognition
Shirley’s research aims to deepen understanding of conceptual thinking and higher-level cognition. By examining the neural mechanisms behind abstract representation, her study explores how the brain processes and organises complex information.
Sharing Her CCIR Academy Research Journey
Shirley also shared her research experience in a CCIR Academy Student Spotlight episode. She discussed the guidance she received from her mentor and the insights she gained throughout the research process.
Her experiences reflect her interests in biology, neuroscience, academic learning, and community service.
Ready to Explore Research in Neuroscience and Biology?
Turn your interests in neuroscience, biology, and cognitive science into an original research project with guidance from experienced professor mentors at CCIR Academy.
Download the CCIR Research Programme Prospectus to explore our 170+ research areas, learn about our professor mentors from leading universities, and discover our Cambridge Future Scholar and 1-on-1 Research Mentorship programmes, student outcomes, and application process.
