Richard J. Zeman

Richard J. Zeman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at New York Medical College's School of Medicine. With over 25 years of dedicated research in neuromuscular disorders, Dr. Zeman has established himself as a leading researcher in spinal cord injury and muscular dystrophy.

Dr. Zeman earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Physiology from New York University, where he was mentored by Alexander Sandow, the creator of the scientific field of Excitation-Contraction Coupling in muscle. He also completed a fellowship with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and a postdoctoral position in Neurology at Columbia University. His undergraduate degree is a B.S. in Biology from Columbia University.

Dr. Zeman's research has focused on developing treatments for spinal cord injury using animal models. His work has explored various therapeutic approaches including stereotactic X-irradiation, oxandrolone (an anabolic steroid), β2-agonists, and tempol (a superoxide dismutase mimetic). His research has revealed important connections between glucotoxicity, the polyol pathway, and neuroprotection in spinal cord injury, suggesting novel treatment strategies that could lead to significant clinical advances.

His publication record spans over four decades with consistent contributions to the field. Recent work has focused on molecular mechanisms of Wallerian degeneration, glutathione depletion, and the role of the polyol pathway in spinal cord recovery. His studies demonstrate how disparate treatments share common protective mechanisms, opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

• Tempol, a Superoxide Dismutase Mimetic, Inhibits Wallerian Degeneration Following Spinal Cord Injury by Preventing Glutathione Depletion and Aldose Reductase Activation (2024)
• Cannabidiol reduces lesion volume and restores vestibulomotor and cognitive function following moderately severe traumatic brain injury (2021)
• Role of the Polyol Pathway in Locomotor Recovery and Wallerian Degeneration after Spinal Cord Contusion Injury (2021)

As an educator, Dr. Zeman serves as Course Director for Histology (General and Oral) and teaches in the Fundamental Principles of Life course and Lectures in Histology. He views teaching and mentoring students as essential aspects of his work. Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Zeman is an amateur paleontologist and active member of the New York Paleontological Society, demonstrating his broad scientific interests.