Dr. Michael Zimmerman

Research

My research interests lie in the realm of parasite ecology and host-parasite interactions. My primary study system involves bluegill sunfish and their parasite communities. Bluegill sunfish have a mating system involving multiple male reproductive phenotypes, dominant alpha-males that are responsible for all nesting, courting, and parental duties, and subordinate beta-males that serve as nest parasites with no parental investment. Despite differences in reproductive output, both male morphotypes persist amongst bluegill communities in nature. My lab aims to investigate if parasite communities infecting alpha- and beta-males differ and the role that parasite infection plays in maintaining an inferior reproductive phenotype. While learning about parasitology, talking about various parasites and seeing pictures of them gives some perspective on the organisms, but removing them from a host and seeing them move gives a whole new outlook. I have incorporated dissections from research study system to give students experience finding, fixing, mounting, and identifying parasite specimens from fresh host tissue into some of my courses.

Teaching Biology

I have always had an interest and passion in the field of biology with a persistent fascination with the living world. Additionally, one of my favorite hobbies has always been fishing. While obtaining my undergraduate degree, I saw the opportunity to combine my interests in biology with my fishing hobby, which ultimately introduced me to the field of parasitology. In graduate school, I also developed a passion for teaching and spreading my knowledge and enthusiasm about biology and parasitology with others, which led me to academia where I could both teach and research the areas I am passionate about.

The Mount Union Difference

Mount Union offers the opportunity to work closely with faculty that are always willing to help. Faculty are not always accessible at institutions of higher education, but faculty availability is a staple of education at Mount Union. The bond that can be developed between students and faculty, as well as the available resources to help students succeed in both the educational and professional world, set Mount Union apart from other academic institutions. Mount Union's philosophy is that the student's come first, which puts teaching at the forefront of faculty responsibilities. Spending my entire academic career at teaching-centered institutions, this appealed to me as I found this to be the most beneficial aspect of all schools that I attended. Additionally, Mount Union offers the opportunity to conduct research with undergraduate students to help them develop in their fields and as professionals. That aspect of mentorship is something that I had as an undergraduate and something that I would like to share with students.

Biology at Mount Union

The biology and environmental science programs at Mount Union offer all students the opportunity to participate in independent research projects with a faculty mentor. Students can develop and design a research project centered around their own interests and implement this project while working one-on-one with a faculty mentor. These opportunities are equally rewarding for the students and faculty and allow the students to develop relevant skills in critical thinking, problem solving, time management, and laboratory techniques that can be applied in all fields related to biology, environmental science, or the health professions after obtaining a degree.