Cluster focus

The zebrafish is an ideal model organism for molecular and genetic research because its genes can be mutated and manipulated easily, allowing a variety of experimental techniques. Because it is a vertebrate, it also shares many of the same biological features as mammals, making it relevant for studies of human health. This cluster focuses on the early development of the body and nervous tissue using zebrafish as a model. The cluster brings together a broad range of expertise in the departments of anatomy, genetics and zoology. This research model using zebrafish is now being used in laboratories across the campus and the cluster has become integral to the support of many large-scale research projects. In addition, many doctoral students in genetics, zoology, or cellular and molecular biology work on zebrafish as part of their research.

Cluster accomplishments

  • The cluster has added a zebrafish course in the zoology department and zebrafish experiments to their undergraduate laboratory courses.
  • All three cluster faculty have undergraduate students working in their labs, providing valuable experience in maintaining fish facilities and carrying out research on zebrafish embryos. In fact, more than 15 undergraduates have conducted research on zebrafish as part of the cluster effort, with seven students receiving prestigious Hilldale Awards and one student listed as a first author on an article in Developmental Biology, a major honor for an undergraduate student.
  • This cluster has spurred the development of additional zebrafish laboratories on campus run by affiliated faculty who work in anatomy, stem cell research, pharmacology and pediatrics. The flourishing zebrafish research environment helps faculty from throughout campus with a suitable research animal to acquire grants.
  • Because of the cluster’s presence, UW-Madison hosts the biennial international zebrafish meeting and a cluster faculty member is the head of the International Zebrafish Society.
  • The cluster coordinator has introduced children to science through zebrafish, and has won a March of Dimes Basil O’Connor award for his work.

Cluster structure

The cluster and affiliated zebrafish faculty hold monthly meetings to present ongoing research, pool their resources and teach each other techniques on different aspects of using zebrafish as a research model.

Cluster coordinator, faculty and lead dean

Cluster Coordinator

Cluster Faculty

Lead Dean