ASF Announces Recipients of 2026 Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships

New York, NY — April 7, 2026 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative autism research, today announced the recipients of its annual Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships. Grants have been awarded to a group of outstanding undergraduate students who will conduct cutting-edge research aimed at improving the lives of individuals with autism.

This year’s fellows will study a range of important topics, including using brain organoids to understand early brain development in autism, mapping how brain cells are organized and connected in autism, examining how noncoding genes may influence autism risk, identifying early motor signs that may support earlier diagnosis, and developing tools to improve access to services for underserved communities.

“Supporting the next generation of scientists is essential to progress in autism,” said ASF Chief Science Officer Dr. Alycia Halladay. “At a time when the scientific landscape is shifting, and misinformation continues to challenge public understanding, ASF remains committed to supporting early-career researchers. These students are gaining hands-on experience tackling complex questions—from brain development to access to care—and represent the future of our field.”

Now in its 13th consecutive year, the ASF Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship program has earned recognition for its commitment to supporting young investigators at a formative stage in their careers. In 2018, Inside Philanthropy highlighted ASF’s unique focus on undergraduates, noting that funding students at this stage “is not something we see very often. In fact, we almost never see it. A key to achieving medical breakthroughs is engaging and retaining young investigators early in their careers.”

The following projects have been awarded funding for the 2026 Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship program:

Ines Choi, Yale University
Mentor: Flora Vaccarino, MD, Yale University
Title: Determining the cellular mechanisms of macrocephaly in ASD

Some individuals with autism show an early and immense enlargement of the brain, called “macrocephaly.” This is a cause of seizures and developmental delays, but the mechanism of how this happens is not fully understood. This study will analyze organoids generated from skin cells of individuals with macrocephaly to study genes expressed in cells called “radial glia,” which control the balance of new neurons in the brain. The findings will help neuroscientists understand the regulation of cell creation and proliferation, which ultimately will help understand why macrocephaly is seen in autism and how it can be remedied.

Aidan Gor, University of Pennsylvania
Mentor: Xuyu Qian, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Title: Mapping cortical disorganization in the autism brain

A prevailing theory of autism is that brain cells in a part of the brain called the cortex are disorganized, and cells are connected to one another abnormally. To examine the core mechanism behind this process, this project will examine how individual cells become misplaced, examining many different genes at once within those cells. This will be done in different areas of a layer of the brain called the cortex, in areas that are involved in autism features. This research will provide a better understanding of why brain cells are not properly connected, which is important for developing therapeutics.

Beatrice Hetke, University of Waterloo
Mentor: Steve Scherer, PhD, SickKids/University of Toronto, Canada
Title: Investigating the role of PTCHD1-AS in autism using a gene editing approach

Typically, genetic researchers have focused on genetic material that codes for proteins, but recently, more interest has developed around “noncoding” genetic material. This project will use gene editing techniques to examine how a non-coding gene called PTCHD1-AS influences the expression of the autism risk gene DDX53, which has been recently linked to autism. This gene is located on the X chromosome and may help explain the gender bias in diagnosis. If successful, this will lead to novel therapeutic options that will be beneficial for those with autism.

Sol Park, University of Maryland
Mentor: Veronica Kang, PhD, University of Maryland
Title: Creating a culturally sensitive autism tool to help Korean-American parents find resources

Many evidence-based autism interventions were developed in Western contexts and may not fully address the linguistic and cultural needs of underserved immigrant families. This project will examine whether embedding artificial intelligence technology into the Korean Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules program (K-AFIRM) helps families to better access services. Developing more culturally appropriate supports for families will expand access to care for a more diverse community.

Sonia Tran, UCLA
Mentor: Rujuta Wilson, PhD, UCLA
Title: Expanding the use of early motor markers in the diagnosis of ASD

Before features of autism emerge in a toddler, motor delays may be seen, suggesting that they may be predictors of later outcomes. This study will use analysis of home videos to identify subtle changes in postures, leg movements, and movement patterns in infant siblings who have a high probability of an autism diagnosis. This method can offer a more inclusive pathway to earlier autism detection that could help narrow the diagnosis and the services gap in underserved communities.

About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Its mission is to fund breakthrough research that will improve the lives of people with autism. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.

ASF Media Contact:
C.J. Volpe
Autism Science Foundation
cvolpe@autismsciencefoundation.org