Over the past decade, zebrafish have been centrestage in a number of research projects at MacEwan University. This year, the university has created a designated lab space for working with the fish.

Dr. Melike Schalomon, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, has in the past served as MacEwan's first-ever chair of the Animal Ethics Committee and says having a dedicated space that will house the zebrafish has been years in the making.

"I'm really excited because I was there from the beginning, along with Dr. Trevor Hamilton, when we decided to do zebrafish research," says Dr. Schalomon. "It's been wonderful to see the university invest in having this purpose-built facility."

Zebrafish, after rodents, are the most common research animals in neuroscience. The fish species shares a similar brain chemistry to humans, allowing faculty researchers and undergraduate students to undertake a breadth of research. Having an appropriate facility to house the fish will ensure valid data collection for the researchers.

Located in Building 5, the 890-square-foot lab is divided into three testing rooms, an equipment room and a housing room to hold the fish. The equipment room contains pumps, filtration and UV radiation for the water, which will provide a quiet housing area. Additionally, a new piece of equipment will measure water quality and make adjustments throughout the day to keep the environment healthy and stable for the fish and the fish breeding program. Following a process to maintain a pathogen-free environment, the breeding program starts in April.

Though the fish lab is open to all researchers at MacEwan, faculty members and students in the psychology and biological sciences departments are currently the primary users. The only requirement, says Dr. Schalomon, is that anyone who enters the lab must complete theoretical and hands-on animal ethics training, or be accompanied by someone who has.

"Opening this new lab is definitely an example of our university's teaching greatness," says Dr. Schalomon. "We've had a number of undergraduate students who have participated in zebrafish research, collecting data and designing their own studies, as well as presenting that research at national and international conferences and publishing their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The lab will allow for even greater opportunities for them."