Zebrafish Summer Institute
The Zebrafish Summer Institute (ZSI) offered by Dr. Vinita Hajeri is a unique professional development opportunity for secondary science educators. During a weeklong workshop, teachers learn how to use zebrafish (a small, freshwater fish commonly found in pet shops) to engage their students in authentic, real-world scientific investigations.
Because they share 70% of their genes with humans, zebrafish are at the forefront of biomedical research. They are used in over 1,000 laboratories in the world for genetics and medical research including cancer.
The ZSI empowers teachers to excite students about scientific inquiry, and to help them understand the connections between science and the world they live in. Workshop participants explore how to use zebrafish in their classrooms to teach students about concepts like the stages of growth and development, interactions between organisms and the environment, ecology, aquatic biology, and genetics.
Dr. Hajeri designed ZSI and directs the program with partners at UT Arlington and UT Southwestern. Additionally, she provides year-round support and supplies to teachers who decide to bring zebrafish into their classrooms.