Dawn Zimmerman

Dawn Zimmerman serves as an Assistant Professor Adjunct in the Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases department at Yale School of Public Health. She also holds significant positions as the Director of International Programs for the Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife, a Research Associate with the Smithsonian Institution, and affiliate faculty at the University of Nairobi.

Education:

• DVM from Ross University
• MS from San Diego State University, focused on development of techniques for reproductive assistance in exotic canids

Dawn Zimmerman's research focuses on applying a One Health approach to wildlife conservation and emerging infectious disease mitigation. Her work specifically addresses the interface between wildlife, humans, and pathogens, with emphasis on critically endangered species. She has extensive field experience in conservation medicine and capacity building across more than 15 countries, primarily in East Africa.

Her recent publications demonstrate consistent research in zoonotic disease surveillance, wildlife health, and conservation medicine. Key themes include tick-borne pathogens, viral spillover risks, and health implications of human-wildlife interactions. Her work often involves field-based diagnostic development and epidemiological modeling to address conservation challenges.

Professional Affiliations:

• Associate editor for the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
• Member of the IUCN Wildlife Health Specialist Group
• Member of the National Science and Technology Council's Pandemic Prediction and Forecasting Science & Technology working group
• Scientific advisor for the Gorilla Doctors at UC Davis
• Veterinary advisor for multiple conservation groups including Tapiridae Taxon Advisory Group, Tapir Specialist Group, and Sri Lanka's Elephant Transit Home

Zimmerman previously served as Director of Wildlife Health for Smithsonian's Global Health Program, Regional Veterinary Manager for UC Davis' Gorilla Doctors, and Senior Veterinarian at the Memphis Zoo. She was also the global lead for the USAID Emerging Pandemic Threats PREDICT program in Kenya, focusing on pathogen detection in wildlife.

Her work bridges veterinary medicine, public health, and conservation biology, with ongoing projects in Africa related to wildlife disease surveillance and capacity building.