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Origins of the JRI
Origins of the JRI
In 2018 Dr. Zach Pratt, a former college professor, was looking for ways that he could continue his scholarly research closer to his home in the summer, and introduce high school students to scientific research in the process.
Soon afterward, Zach joined the staff at Parker High School in Janesville, WI. The summer after his first year, the Janesville Summer Research Institute (JSRI) was established in 2019 with funding from the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center as a way to engage high school students in Janesville, WI in authentic scientific research. The COVID pandemic prevented the group from performing research in 2020 and the second summer research group met for four weeks in June 2021. During the school year of 2021-2022, the Janesville Summer Research Institute was renamed the Janesville Research Institute (JRI), reflecting a year-round dedication to student engagement.
Dr. Zach Pratt
Dr. Zach Pratt
Dr. Zach Pratt is a high school science teacher and Academic Learning Coach at Parker High School in Janesville, WI. Zach earned his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from North Central College and his PhD in Cancer Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a student, Zach knew that he wouldn't win a Nobel Prize, but wanted to mentor the person who someday would. This goal led him to teaching at St. Norbert College (De Pere, WI) and Edgewood College (Madison, WI). In 2018, Zach was ready to give back to the community he lived in, Janesville, WI. Zach first introduced the idea of the JRI in summer 2018, and shortly after accepted a position as a science teacher at Parker High School. Zach has worked throughout his career to offer authentic research experiences for his students and to create lasting relationships with them.
Funding and Support
Funding and Support
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (2019-present)
Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers Pella Grant (2021)
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