Carl Zimmer

Carl Zimmer (born 1966) is a popular science writer and blogger, especially regarding the study of evolution and parasites. He has written several books and contributes science essays to publications such as The New York Times and Discover. He is a Fellow at Yale University's Morse College.

Work
Besides his popular science writing, Zimmer also gives frequent lectures, and has been on many radio shows, including National Public Radio's Fresh Air and This American Life. His most recent award was a 2007 prize for science communication from the United States National Academy of Sciences, for his wide-ranging and fascinating coverage of biology and evolution in newspapers, magazines and his internet blog "The Loom". Since 11 November, 2009 (episode 35) he is host of the periodic audio podcast Meet the Scientist of the American Society for Microbiology (replacing Merry Buckley).

Zimmer received his B.A. in English from Yale University in 1987, and began freelance writing for Natural History magazine. In 1989, Zimmer started at Discover magazine, first as a copy-editor and fact-checker, eventually becoming a contributing editor.

Personal
Zimmer lives in Guilford, Connecticut, with his wife and their two children. His father, Dick Zimmer, was a Republican congressman from New Jersey from 1991 through 1997. His brother, Benjamin Zimmer, is a linguist.

Awards

 * American Association for the Advancement of Science's 2004 Science Journalism Award
 * American Association for the Advancement of Science's 2009 Kavli Science Journalism Award
 * The Pan American Health Organization's Award for Excellence in International Health Reporting
 * American Institute Biological Science's Media Award
 * Everett Clark Award for Science Writing
 * John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship
 * United States National Academy of Sciences Communication Award
 * Mr. Carl Zimmer is a member of the USA Science & Engineering Festival's Nifty Fifty, a collection of the most influential scientists and engineers in the United States that are dedicated to reinvigorating the interest of young people in science and engineering.