YouLan Li’s innovative BEEDLE project (short for Brain-Enhancing Embedded Device with Localized Efficiency) recently earned the Genome BC Award at the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair, cementing her reputation as a rising star in neurorestorative technology.
Developed in collaboration with teammates whom YouLan Li ’26 is deeply grateful to have worked alongside, BEEDLE addresses the persistent challenge of delivering therapeutic agents past the blood-brain barrier. The microneedle-based implant is designed to deliver neuroregenerative compounds directly to targeted brain regions, such as the hippocampus and subventricular zone. This localized, phased-release system, regulated by a rotating cartridge mechanism and microcontroller, offers a promising solution for conditions ranging from traumatic brain injury to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. By circumventing traditional systemic approaches—with all their imprecise dosing and side effects—BEEDLE sets a new bar for precision in neurorestorative care.
The innovation behind BEEDLE is as much personal as it is scientific. Motivated by her grandmother’s stroke and the consequent shortcomings in rehabilitation options, YouLan recognized the urgent need for targeted therapies that can promote neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. With a clear vision to improve recovery protocols for brain injury survivors, she channelled her passion into a project that bridges engineering, pharmacology and clinical insight. Importantly, YouLan didn’t develop BEEDLE alone but collaborated closely with dedicated teammates and partners, whose contributions she deeply values and acknowledges as integral to the project’s success.
Beyond BEEDLE’s technical achievements, YouLan’s accomplishments extend well beyond the lab. She is an internationally recognized achiever, boasting a gold medal at the International Psychology Olympiad, a spot on the Fryer Math Contest honour roll, and accolades as a Canadian Brain Bee national finalist, among many others. As founder of Discover Mind, a website dedicated to making information on brain science and mental health accessible for everyone, YouLan has partnered with organizations across the globe, hosted neuroscience competitions and created educational resources reaching more than 100,000 people.
Discover Mind, under YouLan’s guidance, actively engages individuals affected by brain injuries—including survivors, caregivers and family members—to integrate their lived experiences into the broader dialogue on recovery. The platform encourages these individuals to contribute personal narratives, highlighting how such stories can foster awareness, offer hope and strengthen communal connections. By centring these voices, the initiative not only informs cutting-edge research but also cultivates a supportive network where shared struggles and resilience alleviate feelings of isolation. YouLan’s pioneering work has reshaped neurorestorative practices and ignited a global conversation on brain health, emphasizing collective learning and empathy-driven recovery.
While testing with gelatin brain models and 3D-printed head simulations showed promising results—demonstrating impressive timing accuracy, controlled penetration depth and minimal lateral displacement—the BEEDLE project continues to evolve. Future work will focus on miniaturizing the device for clinical use, enhancing power systems and integrating biosensors for real-time adaptive dosing, setting the stage for a transformative leap in neurotechnological applications.
Amid a backdrop of rigorous research, patent filings and endless school activities—from badminton team captaincy to editing for the Young Scientists Journal—YouLan stands out as a beacon of perseverance and intellect. Her recent Genome BC Award is a testament to her ability to drive change in the field, and it underscores her commitment to crafting solutions that are as innovative as they are compassionate.
In a world where the scars of brain injuries are often invisible yet life-altering, YouLan Li’s BEEDLE project represents a powerful stride toward accessible, holistic recovery—a breakthrough that not only brings hope to patients and families but also inspires the next generation of STEAM leaders. YouLan hopes her work will foster a world that is more understanding and compassionate toward people with brain injuries, not just through scientific advancement but through everyday empathy. She emphasizes that behind every injury is a deeply personal journey, with unique challenges and triumphs that deserve recognition and support. Through both her technological innovations and community-building efforts, YouLan is inspiring a kinder, more informed approach to recovery—one that honours the whole person, not just the injury.
