Carl Zimmer

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Carl Zimmer (born October 13, 1966) is an American science writer and author, known for his books and articles on the topics of evolution, parasites, and heredity. Zimmer is a regular contributor to The New York Times and has written extensively for other publications such as National Geographic and Scientific American. He is also a lecturer at Yale University, where he teaches writing about science.

Early Life and Education

Carl Zimmer was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Yale University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1987. During his time at Yale, Zimmer developed an interest in science writing, which led him to pursue a career in the field.

Career

Zimmer began his career as a writer and editor at Discover magazine, where he worked from 1989 to 1999. During his tenure at Discover, Zimmer wrote numerous articles on a wide range of scientific topics, establishing himself as a prominent voice in science journalism.

In 2000, Zimmer published his first book, "At the Water's Edge: Fish with Fingers, Whales with Legs, and How Life Came Ashore but Then Went Back to Sea", which explores the evolutionary history of vertebrates. This was followed by "Parasite Rex: Inside the Bizarre World of Nature's Most Dangerous Creatures" in 2001, a book that delves into the complex and often misunderstood world of parasites.

Zimmer's work is characterized by his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the National Academies Communication Award and the Stephen Jay Gould Prize.

Notable Works

• "Parasite Rex" (2001) - This book explores the role of parasites in the natural world, challenging the perception of parasites as mere pests and highlighting their importance in ecosystems.
• "Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea" (2001) - A companion book to the PBS series, this work provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of evolution and its implications.
• "She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity" (2018) - In this book, Zimmer examines the concept of heredity, exploring how it shapes our lives and the future of genetic research.

Contributions to Science Communication

Zimmer is widely recognized for his contributions to science communication. His ability to translate complex scientific ideas into engaging narratives has made him a popular figure in the field. In addition to his books, Zimmer writes the "Matter" column for The New York Times, where he covers a wide range of scientific topics, from genetics to microbiology.

Zimmer is also active in the academic community, serving as a lecturer at Yale University. He teaches courses on writing about science, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of science communicators.

Awards and Recognition

Carl Zimmer has received numerous accolades for his work, including:

• The National Academies Communication Award
• The Stephen Jay Gould Prize
• The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award

Also see

• Science journalism
• Evolutionary biology
• Heredity
• Parasites

References

• Zimmer, Carl. "Parasite Rex: Inside the Bizarre World of Nature's Most Dangerous Creatures." Free Press, 2001.
• Zimmer, Carl. "She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity." Dutton, 2018.
• "Carl Zimmer." The New York Times. [1]