Open-Ended Inquiry into Zebrafish Nerve Development Using Image Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Undergraduate Education

Background:

• Open-ended lab projects boost science student success and retention.
• Remote learning presents challenges for organismal research projects.
• Zebrafish offer a model for studying vertebrate development due to rapid, external embryonic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a method for remote undergraduate students to conduct authentic research using zebrafish neural development.
• To enable students to develop and test biological questions using image analysis.
• To enhance skills in organismal observation, data collection, and scientific communication for remote learners.

Main Methods:

• Utilized image analysis of zebrafish neural development for an introductory biology lab course.
• Students analyzed provided images comparing zebrafish mutants and wild-type siblings.
• Developed and applied techniques to analyze neuron and glia position, organization, and morphology.

Main Results:

• Remote first-year students independently formulated and tested biological questions.
• Students mastered image analysis techniques for zebrafish neural development.
• Students successfully communicated their findings in journal article and oral presentation formats.

Conclusions:

• Image analysis of zebrafish neural development provides an accessible platform for remote undergraduate research.
• This module effectively teaches neural development, data analysis, and scientific communication principles.
• The approach is adaptable for both on-campus and remote students, fostering engagement and skill development.