Distinguished scientist: Matt Zimmerman, PhD

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Feb. 24 for UNMC's 2021 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator and Community Service to Research Award recipients.

• Name: Matt Zimmerman, PhD
• Title: Father, husband, mentor, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology
• Joined UNMC: 2007    
• Hometown:  Lomira, Wisconsin

Research focus: Hypertension, redox and antioxidants

Why is research important in the world today?

To continue to improve the quality of life of all humans, we must continue to explore and investigate basic, clinical and population sciences. As a global research community, we have made so many great advances to improve the life of millions of people. However, there are still millions of people that struggle every day to thrive. More research will result in more discoveries, which will contribute to the betterment of all humans.

My research will make a difference because:

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. More than one-third of the U.S. adult population is hypertensive, and nearly half of those individuals are unable to control their high blood pressure despite being prescribed multiple anti-hypertensive drugs. The primary goal of my research program is to develop novel antioxidant-base therapeutics for the improved treatment of hypertension that will also improve patient medication adherence.

The best advice I’ve ever received is:

I remember the day I was 9 years old and my grandfather said to me, “Keep your head down.” (He was referring to my golf swing. I should have been a better listener!)

Three things you may not know about me are:

• I worked as a residential and commercial painter for seven years through high school and college.
• There are more students in my son’s high school than there are people in my hometown.
• My 11-year-old daughter wants to write my mother’s biography and plans to title it: “Unvaccinated: My Nana’s Life Living with Polio.”