James Notwell
Computer Science
Bio-X SIGF Fellow 2013/2014  
Profs. Gill Bejerano (Developmental Biology and Computer Science), Susan McConnell (Biology), and Philippe Mourrain (Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences)

The outer layer of the brain, or neocortex, encompasses many of the features that make us human. Consisting of six layered sheets of neurons, it plays a critical role in cognition, emotion, and perception. The neocortex is formed during embryonic development, and a carefully orchestrated genetic program specifies the roles of its different neurons. Decades of studies have revealed some of the key players in this process, but the upstream and downstream logic remains largely unknown. Jim hopes to expand on the understanding of this highly specific genetic program using whole-genome measurements of the developing neocortex.