Richard Zimmerman

Richard Zimmerman is a Professor at Old Dominion University in the Department of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. His research focuses on ecological physiology of marine photosynthesis, remote sensing of coastal ecosystems, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern California (1983, 1979, 1975).

Education: Ph.D. Biological Sciences (USC, 1983), M.S. Biological Sciences (USC, 1979), B.S. Biological Sciences (USC, 1975).

Research Interests: Seagrass and kelp ecology, ocean acidification, remote sensing techniques (LIDAR, hyperspectral imaging), carbon sequestration, and climate change adaptation. His work integrates biogeochemical cycles, optical properties of water, and numerical modeling to understand ecosystem dynamics.

Key Grants/Projects: Over 30+ grants totaling >$10M, including NSF-funded studies on blue carbon sequestration, ocean acidification impacts, and seagrass restoration. Notable projects: 'Collaborative Research: Toward An Improved Understanding of Blue Carbon' ($413,838) and 'MRI Acquisition of a Hybrid Mass Spectrometer System' ($517,631).

Publications: Over 140+ peer-reviewed articles, including influential works on eelgrass physiology, seagrass remote sensing, and Arctic primary production. Recent focus on climate change effects (e.g., 2024 study on seagrass vulnerability to marine heatwaves).

Awards/Honors: Phi Kappa Phi (2007), Sigma Xi (1981), Visiting Professorships, and A.R.C.S. Scholarship (1981). Active in international seagrass research networks and policy initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Bio-Optical Research Group (BORG) at ODU, specializing in aquatic optics and remote sensing applications. Collaborates with institutions like NASA, NOAA, and international marine labs.