FKCC’s VIP Series Opens with Zebrafish

KEY WEST, FL, February 7, 2018— Florida Keys Community College will open the 2018 season of its VIP Series with “The Zebrafish: From Ornamental Fish to Biomedical Superstar.”  The presentation is led by Dr. Robert Bullis, FKCC Biology Professor, on Wednesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus.

The Zebrafish was once just a beautiful and inexpensive aquarium fish.  But now the tiny animal could hold the key to scientific breakthroughs in diseases, like muscular dystrophy, schizophrenia, tuberculosis, and cancer.  Because of its natural similarities to human biology and the emergence of genetic sequencing technologies, the Zebrafish has become a powerhouse animal research model.  It is slowly replacing rodents as the go-to animal for biomedical studies.  This talk will discuss the events which led the way for the Zebrafish to become a research superstar.

Dr. Bullis is a US Navy veteran, a veterinarian, and marine biologist.  He has over 30 years of experience in the development of diagnostic, research, and educational programs in aquatic animal medicine, microbiology, and marine sciences.

Sponsored by Centennial Bank, FKCC’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the visions, ideas, and perspectives of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence.  The next VIP Series presentation will be on March 29.  Dr. Patrick Rice, FKCC’s Chief Science and Research Officer, and Dr. Tracy Fanara, Program Manager of Environmental Health at Mote Marine Laboratory, will co-present on cultivating citizen scientists.  Tickets are $5 at the door.  Admission is free for students at FKCC and Monroe County schools.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]