Julia E. Dallman

Julia E. Dallman, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences, specializes in using zebrafish models to study the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and their comorbid gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Her research bridges molecular genetics, neuroscience, and clinical medicine through interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Key affiliations: University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences; Bridge the Gap Foundation (Center of Excellence); SFARI (Pilot Award)

Research Focus: Dallman investigates sensorimotor integration deficits in NDDs like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Her work connects genetic mutations (SYNGAP1, SHANK3, SORD) to both neurological and GI dysfunction, emphasizing the gut-brain-microbiome axis. She develops home-based diagnostic tools (e.g., blue muffin gut transit test) for clinical translation.

Publications highlight zebrafish models for studying genotype-phenotype relationships, pharmacological interventions, and brain-wide activity mapping during anesthesia recovery. Recent awards include the Provost Teaching Award (2023) and Bridge the Gap Foundation recognition.

Scientific Contributions include:

• Establishing zebrafish as a model for GI distress in ASD
• Identifying brain regions (preoptic, rostral brainstem) responsible for sensory behavior deficits
• Testing pharmacological effects on sensory processing
• Developing non-invasive gut function assays

Her lab trains students across levels (undergraduate to postdoctoral) and collaborates with clinicians (Baharak Moshiree, Calliope Holingue) and foundations (Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, Syngap Research Fund).