Education

Dr. Zimmerman received his Ph.D. in Muscle Biology from the Animal Science Departments at the University of Wyoming in 1997.  He had previously received a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Wyoming and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Physical Education. He has past appointments in the University of California-San Diego Biology Department as a lecturer and at the University of the Wisconsin-Stout as an Associate Professor.

Research and Teaching

Dr. Zimmerman has completed NIH-sponsored postdoctoral training at the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine working with the Cardiovascular Physiology and Biomedical Engineering groups.  His scholarly interests are two-fold.  He conducts basic research into the mechanisms governing the alteration of muscle structure in response to stress (aging, injury, nutrition, etc.).  His recent work has included the examination of the signaling molecules responsible for the healing of the scar and remaining cardiac muscle following a heart attack (myocardial infarction).  His second line of inquiry focuses on the effects of student-centered pedagogies such as team-based learning on student learning. 

 Dr. Zimmerman teaches Medical Physiology (BMS 652), Exercise Physiology (PTE 664), Neurobiology (BMS 569), Human Anatomy (BMS 307), and other physiology related courses.

Clinical Experience and Service

Dr. Zimmerman’s service has focused around promoting health and wellness on campus and providing science outreach to the community.  He serves on the Board of the Discovery Center and participates in several task forces as part of the campus Wellness Plan initiative.  He is also active in mentoring graduate and undergraduate research.