Julie H. Simpson

Julie H. Simpson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She leads the Simpson Lab, which investigates neural circuits governing motor sequence control using Drosophila as a model system. Her work focuses on understanding how the nervous system organizes complex behaviors like grooming, integrating genetic, optogenetic, and computational approaches.

Education: AB in Molecular Biology from Princeton University, PhD in Neurobiology from UC Berkeley, postdoctoral research at UW-Madison and the Janelia Research Campus. Joined UCSB in 2015.

Research emphasizes dissecting neuronal circuits using genetic screens, optogenetics, and machine vision. Key projects include studying command neurons (e.g., Mago-no-te), leg projection neurons (LegPN), and sensory integration mechanisms. The lab employs 3D reconstruction tools like Neuroglancer and collaborates on connectome projects.

Notable achievements include an NSF CAREER Award for motor sequence research. Active in training undergraduates and graduate students through hands-on research programs, with opportunities in neuroanatomy, microscopy, and computational neuroscience.

Labs and affiliations: Principal Investigator at Simpson Lab, affiliated with UCSB Neuroscience and MCDB. Collaborates with institutions like KITP and participates in systems biology initiatives.