My research paper (linked) examined how repeated soccer headers affect the brain and how existing safety policies could be improved for young athletes.

 

I began by identifying a clear research question and gathering peer-reviewed studies from neuroscience, sports medicine, and biomechanics journals. I reviewed over twenty studies spanning neuroimaging, biomechanics, and epidemiology. This included work showing that even subconcussive headers can alter white matter structure (Lipton et al., 2013) and that female athletes experience greater brain strain due to weaker neck musculature and smaller head-to-ball mass ratios (Brooks et al., 2021). I also compared lab data on ball velocity and air pressure with field data identifying high-risk scenarios, such as defensive clearances and corner kicks, where impact forces are significantly higher.

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Once I established the scientific foundation, I analyzed policy documents and position statements from FIFA, the Premier League, and U.S. Soccer to understand how research findings have been applied in practice.

 

I organized my paper around three main areas: the scientific evidence, current policy gaps, and realistic recommendations for youth and high school soccer. I got published in the 2025 December Volume of the Curieux Academic Journal (linked). Writing this paper required balancing technical accuracy with clarity, and the process helped me understand how data-driven research can shape safer athletic policies for future players.