How does the
mind learn to
navigate the world?
C
NeuroNav: a study of how we learn to find our way
Investigating Neural Mechanisms Underlying Landmark and Map‑Learning in a Novel Goal‑Directed Navigation Research Platform
Abstract. We developed NeuroNav, an experimental platform combining a physical T-junction maze with simultaneous EEG recording, to investigate how the brain encodes spatial information during goal‑directed navigation. Participants performed landmark‑ and map‑learning tasks while behavioral metrics (navigation time, heading changes, decision latency) and neural signals were collected synchronously.
Spectral analysis revealed increased theta‑band (4–8 Hz) activity at novel junctions — consistent with hippocampal landmark encoding — and elevated gamma‑band (30–80 Hz) activity near goal locations, suggesting reward‑anticipation circuitry. Map‑based navigation was associated with greater learning efficiency and fewer heading changes, supporting the hypothesis that flexible spatial representations outperform habitual route strategies.
The NeuroNav Maze
The physical NeuroNav maze apparatus — a multi-junction labyrinth with embedded landmark cues (artwork reproductions on corridor walls). Participants navigated while wearing an EEG headset, enabling simultaneous behavioral and neural recording.
Navigation Performance Metrics
Behavioral data comparing navigation time and heading changes with vs. without map access across three subjects. Map-based navigation showed significantly fewer heading changes and faster goal arrival — supporting the hypothesis that flexible spatial representations outperform habitual route strategies.
Five Awards. One Question.
The NeuroNav project earned recognition across multiple disciplines — from geography to psychology — reflecting its genuinely interdisciplinary nature.
Pioneer Research Institute
Currently enrolled in Prof. Jonathan Flombaum's (Johns Hopkins) research seminar on the Art of Perception and Brains — deepening the theoretical foundations of her NeuroNav work.
A Journal of Mathematical Accomplishments
American Invitational Mathematics Examination
Three consecutive years of qualification — a rare mark of sustained mathematical excellence. The AIME requires a score in the top 2.5% on the AMC 10 or top 5% on the AMC 12.
Three-Time Qualifier · 2023–2025USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad
Qualifier — one of the most prestigious proof-based competitions for students under 10th grade in North America.
Canadian Team Mathematics Competition
1 of 6 members representing Lower Canada College.
First Place
Canadian Girls' Math Challenge
Senior Division — national recognition two years running.
American Mathematics Competitions
AMC 10 (2023) and AMC 12 (2024) — both Distinguished Honor Roll. AMC 12 qualified for Math Prize for Girls.
Distinguished Honor Roll · Both YearsCanadian Senior Mathematics Contest
Certificate of Distinction · Qualified for Lloyd Auckland Invitational Mathematics Workshop 2026
Certificate of DistinctionCanadian Computing Competition
Honour Roll Group 1 · Invited to EGOI Team Selection Contest
EGOI Team SelectionBuilding Systems That Think and Move
Canadian Robotics Competition
Three-division triumph at Canada's premier high school robotics competition — demonstrating mastery across programming, hardware design, and public communication.
Secondary Rescue Line
International robotics competition — autonomous rescue line navigation.
1st Place · SuperTeam Champion
Quebec Provincial Champion
First place in Quebec — qualified for the national competition.
1st Place Quebec · National QualifierCompetitive Programming
Gold Art Award (1st place, Design) · Bronze Contest Award (3rd place, Competition)
Gold Art AwardLanguages & Tools
Thinking in Four Languages
Team Canada Member
One of four students selected to represent Canada at the International Linguistics Olympiad — the world's premier competition in linguistic analysis and problem-solving. IOL problems require zero prior knowledge of the target language; pure structural reasoning.
1 of 4 Team Canada MembersAP French Language and Culture
Perfect score — reflecting native-level mastery of French language and cultural analysis.
French Prose Writing Contest
Award recipient at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf — demonstrating literary command of French beyond academic fluency.
"Linguistics taught me that structure underlies meaning — much like neural codes underlie cognition."
Designing for Inclusion
Neurodivergent Support & Inclusive Design
Supporting individuals with special needs through one-on-one and group-based programs. Developed visual step-by-step instruction techniques to improve engagement in mathematical settings — directly applying neuroscience insights to real-world inclusive design.
"Before volunteering, I believed challenges came from disability. I learned they often come from environments not designed for neurological diversity."
Art as Cognitive Scaffolding
Organized a large-scale mural workshop for children with ADHD — designed to sustain attention and reduce cognitive overload through open-ended creative tasks with no time constraints.
Handmade Fundraising for Youth Arts
Designed, handmade, and sold beauty products and candles. Managed product development, budgeting, marketing, and sales. Donated all proceeds to support youth arts workshops.
A Curated Intellectual Journey
AwesomeMath Summer Program
Mathematics
AttendedIdea Math Camp
Mathematics
AttendedGirls Who Code Summer Immersion
Computer Science
AttendedInspirit AI Scholars Program
Artificial Intelligence
AttendedMcGill CS Summer Camp
Competitive Programming
Gold Art AwardSTEM Fellowship
Research · AI & Data
OngoingPioneer Research Institute
Neuroscience · Johns Hopkins
EnrolledCNVX at Stanford University
Clinical Neuroscience
AcceptedCEMC Workshop
Mathematics
Accepted
Research at the Intersection of AI and Social Impact
Two-year research journey: from AI analytics for social equity among adolescents, to leveraging big data for food security and sustainable agriculture. First Place — SM/Hony Lt Sanjeev Kumar Award for Resilient Innovation.
First Place · Resilient Innovation AwardThe Through‑Line: learning how people learn
"Why do people learn differently? That question led me to build mazes, measure brainwaves, and design with empathy."
I'm Amelia Geng, a Grade 11 IB student at Lower Canada College in Montreal. I grew up at the intersection of French and Chinese culture, fluent in four languages, and endlessly curious about the architecture of the mind.
My research journey began with a simple observation: everyone in my class received the same instruction, yet we walked away with different understanding. That question — why do people learn differently? — became the engine of everything I do.
From building NeuroNav to volunteering with neurodivergent children, from competing in mathematics olympiads to programming robots, I am driven by one conviction: rigorous science, in service of human flourishing, can make the world more equitable.