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Zebrafish Summer Institute

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Project begins on November 03, at 12:00 AM CST
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Help the Zebrafish Summer Institute at UT Dallas reach their goal!

Igniting Scientific Curiosity in Texas Classrooms: The Zebrafish Summer Institute at UT Dallas

Across Texas, secondary science teachers face a daunting challenge: how to inspire curiosity and engagement in classrooms where resources are scarce, curricula are outdated; and access to research-grade equipment is limited. Each teacher reaches about 150 students annually — young minds eager to learn about the world yet disconnected from the excitement of real scientific discovery.

The Zebrafish Summer Institute (ZSI), housed in the Department of Science and Math Education at UT Dallas, is transforming this landscape. By equipping educators with hands-on training, innovative tools and year-round support, ZSI empowers teachers to turn their classrooms into vibrant hubs of inquiry and exploration. Using recyclable materials and live zebrafish — a model organism with remarkable genetic similarities to humans — teachers can guide students through authentic investigations in genetics, development, ecology, environmental science and biomedical research.

Zebrafish are freshwater creatures that share 70% of their genes with humans and are widely used in cutting-edge research on diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy. Their transparent embryos and rapid breeding cycles make them ideal for classroom experiments, offering students a window into the living world of science while training them with skills needed for college and the workforce.

The Impact of ZSI:

Empowering Teachers

  • 15 teachers are trained each summer through a hybrid workshop and year-long mentorship.
  • Teachers receive zebrafish stocks, classroom supplies and personalized guidance, enabling them to bring real-world science into their classrooms.

Expanding Reach

  • As of August 2025, 69 teachers have completed the program.
  • 47 teachers have already implemented zebrafish-based lessons.
  • ZSI has impacted over 7,000 students to date.

Current Year Impact

  • In 2025 alone, 25 teachers are reaching more than 4,500 students.
  • 80% of these educators work in Title I schools, meaning the program is reaching underserved communities where resources are often limited.

Student Benefits

  • Students gain hands-on experience in exploring a variety of science topics in cell division and development, ecology, environmental science, human health, genetics and biomedical sciences.
  • The program fosters inquiry-based learning and critical thinking — skills essential for STEM success.

Resource Support

  • Teachers are equipped with aquarium kits, lab supplies and microscopes, making advanced science accessible in everyday classrooms.

Support the ZSI

To continue this momentum, ZSI is raising $2,000 to support dedicated ZSI educators. These funds will provide classroom reagents, supplies and ongoing mentorship. If the stretch goal is met, additional funds will be used to purchase microscopes for underserved schools — bringing science to life for students who need it most.

Science education is not just about memorizing facts — it’s about discovery. By supporting ZSI, donors help ignite the spark of curiosity in thousands of students, inspiring the next generation of researchers, doctors and innovators.

Led by Dr. Vinita Hajeri, associate professor of instruction at UT Dallas, and supported by a passionate team of educators and undergraduate interns, the Zebrafish Summer Institute is more than a program — it’s a movement to reimagine science education in Texas.