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Elucidating the circuit mechanisms of visuomotor pursuit

Award Number: K99EY038895
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2028

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Elucidating the circuit mechanisms of visuomotor pursuit - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Visual pursuit is a fundamental function of nervous systems, enabling animals to track and engage with moving objects across a range of contexts. While pursuit can appear as a simple reflex, it often requires flexible control strategies that adapt to target speed, context, and sensory uncertainty. This project examines how a conserved, compact visuomotor circuit in Drosophila supports both simple, reactive tracking behaviors and more complex, predictive strategies that anticipate a target's future location. By comparing species that deploy reactive or predictive pursuit, or both, the proposed research aims to reveal how different behaviors arise from shared circuitry, and to uncover the core computations that allow even simple neural systems to implement adaptive control policies. During the mentored K99 phase, I will examine behavioral algorithms and neural circuit mechanisms of distinct tracking strategies in two closely related species, using in vivo imaging, optogenetics, and computational modeling to identify circuit elements that tune behavior (Aims 1, 2). In the R00 phase, I will investigate how the same visuomotor circuit supports both reactive tracking and anticipatory interception in more distantly related species (Aim 3). The proposed research will reveal how simple visuomotor circuits can give rise to predictive behavior. This project builds on a training trajectory that integrates systems neuroscience, comparative neuroethology, and in vivo circuit analysis to reveal core principles that govern how neural circuits compute predictions and guide flexible behavior. I will train in Drosophila circuit neuroscience, genome engineering, and connectome-based modeling, and gain important career development skills in lab management, leadership, and grant writing. With the mentorship of Dr. Vanessa Ruta, support from a specialized Advisory Committee, and access to Rockefeller University's substantial resources, I will be well-poised to carry out the proposed research and transition to leading an independent research program investigating circuit computations of predictive and adaptive behavioral control.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $167,098 )
2026	2026	ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY	1230 YORK AVE	NEW YORK	NY	10065	NEW YORK	USA	Vision Research	000	1	7/17/2026	NEW	$167,098
														Subtotal = $167,098

Grand Total All Awards = $167,098

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Elucidating the circuit mechanisms of visuomotor pursuit

Award Number: K99EY038895

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2028

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