Daniel Turner-Evans

Professor Daniel Turner-Evans is a faculty member at the University of California, Santa Cruz, focusing on characterizing the brain's computational units. He earned his B.S. in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering from Yale University (2008) and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Caltech (2013), working under Prof. Harry Atwater. His postdoctoral training at HHMI Janelia Research Campus with Dr. Vivek Jayaraman centered on neural circuits for spatial orientation in animals.

• Education: B.S. in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering (Yale, 2008), Ph.D. in Applied Physics (Caltech, 2013)
• Postdoctoral Training: HHMI Janelia Research Campus (2013–2017), Lab of Dr. Vivek Jayaraman

Dr. Turner-Evans' research explores neural circuits that generate spatial navigation and direction sensing in animals. His work integrates functional imaging, electrophysiology, and computational modeling to dissect brain circuitry at single-neuron resolution.

His early work during his Ph.D. involved materials science and optoelectronic applications, including silicon-germanium microwire arrays for photovoltaics and transparent contacts for nanodevices. These studies, published in journals like Advanced Materials and Crystal Growth & Design, highlight his interdisciplinary background in applied physics and nanotechnology.