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Academic positions
Sept. 2021 - current Associate Professor
Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
Oct. 2019 - Aug. 2021 Research Associate
Global and Planetary Health, University of South Florida
March 2016 – Sept. 2019 Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, USA
Jan. 2014 – Feb. 2016 Research Fellow
School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, UK
Oct. 2011 – Dec. 2013 Post-Doctoral Research Assistant
School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, UK
Education
2024 Accreditation to direct research (HDR) in Life and Health Sciences
University Sorbonne Paris Nord
Coping with stress: from hormones to physiological and behavioral flexibility
2006 – 2010 Ph.D. in Animal Behavior and Ecophysiology
University of Strasbourg, France
Dissertation title: Impact of disturbance on energy balance, behavior and reproduction in three duck species: generalization of the starvation-predation risks trade-off.
Advisors: Dr. Petit O. and Dr. Robin J-P.
2004 – 2006 MSc in Ethology, Ecology and Evolution
University of Rennes 1, France
2001 – 2004 BSc in Organismal Biology specialized in Behavioral Biology
University Henri Poincaré Nancy 1, France
Grants and awards
2023 Appel à projet Université Sorbonne Paris Nord (15000€)
2022 Institut Francilien de Recherche Biomediale Research Grant (3000€)
2014 – 2016 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Research grant (650000£)
Collaboration with Karen Spencer and Susan Healy
Project title: Cognitive decline during ageing: understanding the role of developmental and adult stress
2013 University of St Andrews Institutional Strategic Support Fund (15000£)
2010 IN. WALLONIA-Brussels International Excellence Grant (4000€)
2010 Universities of the Academy of Strasbourg award for the best dissertation (1500€)
2010 French Society for the Study of Animal Behavior travel awards (500€)
2008 French Society for the Study of Animal Behavior travel awards (500€)
2008 Association for the Study of Animal Behavior travel award (500€)
2007 French Society for the Study of Animal Behavior travel awards (500€)
2006 – 2010 Alsace Region Ph.D. fellowship (60657€)
2006 – 2009 University of Strasbourg Teaching Assistant fellowship (12232€)
Publications
Peer reviewed journal articles
* indicates equal contribution of the authors
43. Zimmer C., Hanson H.E., Garrison M., Reese D., Dor R., Søraker J.S., Thu P.H., Sheldon E.L. and Martin L.B. 2024. Immune gene expression and epigenetic potential affects the consumption of risky food by house sparrows. Brain Behaviour and Immunity 119: 6-13.
42. Ray D., Sheldon E.L., Zimmer C., Martin L.B. and Schrey A.W. 2024. Screening H3 histone acetylation in a wild bird, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Integrative Organismal Biology.
41. Zimmer C., Jimeno B. and Martin L.B. 2024. HPA flexibility and FKBP5: promising physiological targets for conservation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 379 (1898).
40. *Sheldon E., *Zimmer C., Hanson H.E., Koussayer B., Schrey A.W., Wigley P., Amy L. Wedley and Martin L.B. 2023. High epigenetic potential protects songbirds against pathogenic Salmonella enterica infection. Journal of Experimental Biology 226 (13): jeb245475.
39. Taff C.C., McNew S.M., Zimmer C., Uehling J., Houtz J., Ryan T.A., Chang van Oordt D.C., Injaian A.S. and Vitousek M.N. 2023. Social signal manipulation and environmental challenges have independent effects on physiology, internal microbiome, and reproductive performance in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology 1-13.
38. Ryan T.A., Taff C.C, Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2023. Cold temperatures induce priming of the glucose stress response in tree swallows. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A Molecular & Integrative Physiology 280: 111419.
37. Zimmer C., Taff C.C, Ardia D.R., Rosvall K.A., Kallenberg C., Taylor A.R, Bentz A.B., Johnson S. and Vitousek M.N. 2023. Gene expression in the female tree swallow brain is associated with inter- and intra-population variation in glucocorticoid levels. Hormones & Behavior 147: 105280.
36. Jimeno B. and Zimmer C. 2022. Glucocorticoid receptor expression as an integrative measure to assess glucocorticoid plasticity and efficiency in evolutionary endocrinology. A Perspective. Hormones & Behavior 145: 105240.
35. Martin L.B. and Zimmer C. 2022. Correspondence: Endocrine Flexibilities. Journal of Experimental Biology 225(16): jeb244646.
34. Vitousek M.N., Houtz J., Pipkin M., Chang van Oordt D., Hallinger K., Uehling J., Zimmer C. and Taff C.C. 2022. Natural and experimental cold exposure in adulthood increase the sensitivity to future stressors in a free-living songbird. Functional Ecology 36(10): 2531-2543.
33. Woodruff M., Zimmer C., Ardia D.R., Vitousek M.N. and Rosvall K.A. 2022. Heat Shock Protein Gene Expression Varies Among Tissues and Populations in Free Living Birds. Ornithology 139(3).
32. Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Ryan T.A., van Oordt D.C., Aborn D., Ardia D.R., Johnson L.S., Rose A. and Vitousek M.N. 2022. Individual variation in natural or manipulated corticosterone does not covary with circulating glucose in a wild bird. Journal of Experimental Biology 224: jeb243262.
31. Zimmer C., Woods H.A. and Martin L.B. 2022. Information theory in vertebrate stress physiology. Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism 33: 8-17.
30. Zimmer C., Hanson H.E. and Martin L.B. 2021. FKBP5 expression is related to HPA flexibility and the capacity to cope with stressors in female and male house sparrows. Hormones and Behavior 135: 105038.
29. Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Scheck D., Ryan T.A., Houtz J.L., Smee M.R., Hendry T.A. and Vitousek M.N. 2021. Plumage manipulation alters associations between behaviour, physiology, the internal microbiome, and fitness. Animal Behaviour 178: 11-36.
28. Hanson H.E., Zimmer C., Koussayer B., Schrey A.W., Maddox J.D., Martin L.B. 2021. Epigenetic potential affects immune gene expression in house sparrows. Journal of Experimental Biology 224.
27. Zimmer C., Hanson H.E., Wildman D.E., Uddin M. and Martin L.B. 2020. FKBP5: a key mediator of how vertebrates flexibly cope with adversity. BioScience 70(12): 1127-1138.
26. Schoenle L.A., Zimmer C., Miller E.T. and Vitousek M.N. 2021. Does variation in glucocorticoid concentrations associated with fitness? A phylogenetic meta-analysis. General and Comparative Endocrinology 300: 113611.
25. Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Ardia D.R., Rose A., Aborn D., Johnson L.S. and Vitousek M.N. 2020. Environmental unpredictability shapes glucocorticoids regulation across populations of tree swallows. Scientific Reports 10: 13682.
24. Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Ryan T.A. and Zimmer C. 2019. Stress resilience and the dynamic regulation of glucocorticoids. Integrative and Comparative Biology 59: 251-263.
23. Walker D., Zimmer C., Larriva M., Healy S., Spencer K.A. 2019. Early-life stress programs long-term cytokine and microglia expression within the HPA axis in female Japanese quail. Journal of Experimental Biology.
22. Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Ardia D.R., Winkler D.W. and Vitousek M.N. 2019. On again, off again: acute stress response and negative feedback together predict resilience to experimental challenges. Functional Ecology 33: 619-628.
21. Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2019. Achromatic plumage brightness predicts stress resilience and social interactions in tree swallows (Tachicyneta bicolor). Behavioral Ecology.
20. Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Ardia D.A., Stedman J.S., Zimmer C. and Winkler D.W. 2018. The lingering impact of stress: brief acute glucocorticoid exposure has sustained, dose-dependent effects on reproduction. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 285(1882).
19. Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2018. Efficacy of negative feedback in the HPA axis predicts recovery from acute challenges. Biology Letters 14(7).
18. Schoenle L.A., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2018. Understanding context dependence in glucocorticoid-fitness relationships: the role of the nature of the challenge, the intensity and frequency of stressors, and life history. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(4): 777-789.
17. Miles M.C., Vitousek M.N., Husak J.F., Johnson M.A., Martin L.B., Taff C.C, Zimmer C., Lovern M.B. and Fuxjager M.J. 2018. Standing Variation and the Capacity for Change: Are Endocrine Phenotypes More Variable Than Other Traits? Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(4): 751-762.
16. Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Hallinger K.K., Zimmer C. and Winkler D.W. 2018. Hormones and fitness: Evidence for trade-offs in glucocorticoid regulation across contexts. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 6(42).
15. Sheriff M.J., Bell A., Boonstra R., Dantzer B., Lavergne S.G., McGhee K.E., MacLeod K., Winandy L., Zimmer C. and Love O.P. 2017. Integrating Ecological and evolutionary context in the study of maternal stress. Integrative and Comparative Biology 57(3): 437-449.
14. Zimmer C., Larriva M., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. 2017. Transgenerational transmission of a stress-coping phenotype programmed by early-life stress in the Japanese quail. Scientific Reports 7: 46125.
13. Zimmer C. and Spencer K.A. 2015. Reduced resistance to oxidative stress during reproduction as a cost of early-life stress. Journal of Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology: Part A 183: 9-13.
12. Durand E., Petit O., Tremblay L., Zimmer C., Sgambato-Faure V., Chassain C., Laurent M., Pereira B., Silberberg C. and Durif F. 2015. Social behaviour changes in MPTP-treated monkey model of Parkinson's disease. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 9.
11. Zimmer C. and Spencer K.A. 2014. Modifications of glucocorticoids receptors mRNA expression in the HPA axis in response to early life stress in female Japanese quail. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 26: 853-860.
10. Duval C., Zimmer C., Mikšík I., Cassey P.and Spencer K.A. 2014. Early life stress shapes female reproductive strategy through eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail. General and Comparative Endocrinology 208: 146-153.
9. Zimmer C., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. 2013. Developmental programming: cumulative effects of increased pre-hatching corticosterone levels and post-hatching unpredictable food availability on physiology and behaviour in adulthood. Hormones & Behavior 64(3): 494-500.
8. Boogert N.J., Zimmer C. and Spencer K.A. 2013. Pre- and post-natal stress have opposing effects on social information use. Biology Letters 9(2).
7. Zimmer C., Boos M., Poulin N., Gosler A., Petit O. and Robin J-P. 2011. Evidence of the trade-off between starvation and predation risks in ducks. PLOS One 6(7): e22352.
6. Zimmer C., Boos M., Bertrand F., Robin J-P. and Petit O. 2011. Behavioural adjustment in response to an increase in predation risk: a study in three duck species. PLOS One. 6 (4): e18977.
5. Zimmer C., Boos M., Petit O. and Robin J-P. 2010. Body mass variations in disturbed mallards fit to the mass-dependent starvation-predation risk trade-off. Journal of Avian Biology. 41: 637-644.
4. Boss M., Auroy F., Liukkonen T., Zimmer C., Petit O. and Robin J-P. 2010. Brood desertion in ducks: the value of parental care for offspring survival. Wildlife Biology in Practice. 6: 95-106.
3. Lihoreau M., Zimmer C. and Rivault C., 2008. Mutual mate choice: when it pays both sexes to avoid inbreeding. PLOS One. 3 (10).
2. Lihoreau M., Zimmer C. and Rivault C., 2007. Kin recognition and incest avoidance in a group-living insect. Behavioral Ecology. 18: 880-887.
1. Boos M., Zimmer C., Carrière A., Robin J.P. and Petit O., 2007. Post-hatching parental care behaviour and hormonal status in a precocial bird. Behavioural Processes. 76: 206-214.
Manuscripts in review
McNew S., Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Uehling J., Ryan T., Chang van Oordt D., Houtz J., Injaian A. S., Vitousek M.N. Developmental stage-dependent effects of perceived predation risk on nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Ecology
Gould E., Fraser H.S., Parker T.H., Nakagawa S., (302 authors), Zimmer C., Zimmerman G.M., Zitomer R.A. Same data, different analysts: variation in effect sizes due to analytical decisions in ecology and evolutionary biology. BMC Biology
Manuscripts in preparation
Zimmer C., Larriva M., Healy S.D. and Spencer K.A. Benefits of early life adversity? Developmental stress can enhance learning and memory in adult Japanese quail.
Invited research seminars
2023 National Museum of Natural History, Brunoy
2021 4th International Student Course in Behavioral Biology, Francilien Institute for Ethology (IFE)
2020 University Rennes 1, Department of animal and human ethology (EthoS)
2019 Queen's University Belfast, School of Biology
2018 University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science seminar series
2018 University of Indiana Bloomington, Brown Bag Series
2016 Cornell University, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar Series
2015 University of Leeds, Biology Seminar Series
2015 Plymouth University, Biological and Marine Sciences Seminar Series
2014 University of St Andrews, Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences Seminar Series
2013 University of Strasbourg, IPHC – Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology Seminar Series
2012 University of St Andrews, Psycholoquia Seminar Series
2010 University of Strasbourg, IPHC – Graduate Students Seminar Series
2009 University of Strasbourg, IPHC – Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology Seminar Series
Contributed presentations and posters
2022 International Symposium for Avian Endocrinology, Edinburgh, UK
Zimmer C. and Martin L.B. HPA flexibility: a novel alternative to describe and understand animal coping capacity.
2022 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Phoenix, AZ
Martin L.B., Woods H.A. and Zimmer C. Information theory in vertebrate stress physiology.
2022 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Phoenix, AZ
Sheldon E.L., Zimmer C., Koussayer B., Reese D., Hanson H.E. and Martin L.B. Does epigenetic potential protect against Salmonella sp. infections in house sparrows?
2021 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, online
Zimmer C., Hanson H.E. and Martin L.B. How FKBP5 expression is affected by acute and chronic stress and relates to glucocorticoids levels in house sparrows.
2021 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, online
Hanson H.E., Wang C., Zimmer C., Schrey A.W., Liebl A., Ravinet M., Koussayer B., Maddox J.D., Jiang R.H.Y, Martin L.B. Epigenetic potential in an introduced passerine.
2021 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, online
Ryan T.A., Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Temperature-induced priming of the glucose response to subsequent challenges.
2020 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Austin, TX
Houltz, J.L., Shipley J.R., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Impacts of gut microbiota on developmental temperature priming in birds.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Zimmer C., Rosvall K.A., Ardia D.R., Taylor A.R, Bentz A.B., Taff C.C and Vitousek M.N. Differential MR and GR expression in the tree swallow brain is associated with individual variation in stress physiology.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Ardia D.R. Stress and success: The role of variation in the efficacy of negative feedback in the glucocorticoid stress response.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Taff C.C, Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Plumage Manipulation Alters Social Interactions and Reproductive Success in Female Tree Swallows.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Ryan T.A., Taff C.C, Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Relationships between weather and circulating glucose concentrations in tree swallows.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Ardia D.R., Winkler D.W. and Vitousek M.N. Negative feedback efficacy predicts stress resilience during incubation in the tree swallow.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Schoenle L.A., Zimmer C., Miller E.T. and Vitousek M.N. Is variation in glucocorticoids regulation associated with fitness? A phylogenetic meta-analysis.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Feather color predicts resilience to stressors and social interactions in tree swallows.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Rodriguez A.M., Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Don’t get your feather ruffled: exploring candidate mechanisms linking plumage color and stress resilience in tree swallows.
2017 Symposium of Animal Physiological Ecology CEPA, Strasbourg (France)
Boos M., Huraux T., Massenet P., Bigot B., Daniel J., Petit O., Robin J-P. and Zimmer C. What can we learn from body fuel and wing loading adjustments? From experimental studied to the management of wetlands and waterfowl.
2017 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, New Orleans, LA
Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Scheck D. and Vitousek M.N. Effects of predator type and proximity on glucocorticoid level.
2017 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, New Orleans, LA
Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Ardia D.R., Salzman T.C. and Winkler D.W. Do, brief acute stressors have lasting effects on phenotype?
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Zimmer C., Larriva M., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. Intra- and inter-generational programming of phenotype by pre-natal stress.
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Zimmer C., Larriva M., Healy S. and Spencer K.A. Benefits of early life adversity: Developmental stress could enhance learning and memory in adult Japanese quail.
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Spencer K.A. and Zimmer C. Developmentally driven HPA axis regulation: developmental stress alters 11β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in the CNS and peripheral tissue. Symposium on Avian Endocrinology.
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Walker D., Zimmer C., Healy S. and Spencer K.A. Early-life stress permanently alters cytokine and microglia expression within the HPA axis in female Japanese quail. Symposium on Avian Endocrinology.
2016 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, Exeter (UK)
Larriva M., Zimmer C., Healy S. and Spencer K.A. Developmental stress could enhance learning and memory in novel environments.
2015 Endocrinology Conference, Atlanta, GA. Invited Speaker
Zimmer C. Developmental programming effects of pre-natal stress on the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and behaviour in the Japanese quail.
2015 Symposium of Animal Physiological Ecology CEPA, La Rochelle (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Bedeccarats G., Arrivé M., Petit O and Robin J-P. Repeated disturbance in mallards from the wintering period through early egg-laying has no carry-over effects on breeding decision, chick development and breeding success.
2014 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, New York City, NY
Zimmer C., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. Mum’s the word: trans-generational transmission of phenotypes programmed by early-life stress.
2014 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, New York City, NY
Duval C., Zimmer C., Cassey P. and Spencer K.A. Early life stress shapes female reproductive strategy through eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail.
2013 Symposium of Animal Physiological Ecology CEPA, Lyon (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Petit O., Durand L., Briard L., Grenna M., Malacarne G., Bernard-Laurent A. and Robin J-P. The starvation-predation risk trade-off in birds: from pioneer studies in passerines to recent advances in ducks and partridges.
2012 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, Lund (Sweden)
Zimmer C., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. Developmental programming: interactive effects of pre- and post- natal stress on behaviour.
2012 European Conference on Behavioural Biology, Essen (Germany)
Spencer K.A., Boogert N.J. and Zimmer C. Developmental programming: interactive effects of pre- and post-natal stress on behaviour.
2012 Third Pan-European duck symposium, Jindřichův Hradec (Czech Republic)
Boos M., Zahariev A., Blanc S., Petit O., Robin J-P. and Zimmer C. 2012. Effects of disturbance induced predation risk on body mass, body condition and food consumption in ducks.
2011 Congress of the International Union of Game Biologists, Barcelona (Spain)
Boos M., Zimmer C., Briard L., Petit O., Grenna M., Malacarne G., Bernard-Laurent A. and Robin J-P. 2011. Does disturbance response match the starvation-predation risk trade-off in the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis)?
2011 Conference of the European Ornithologists’ Union, Riga (Latvia)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Blanc S, Zahariev A., Petit O. and Robin J-P. Predation risk, body reserves and energy expenditure in ducks.
2010 International Ornithological Congress, Campos Do Jordao (Brasil)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. 2010. Behavioural adjustments in response to increased predation risk: an experimental study in the tufted duck.
2010 International Ornithological Congress, Campos Do Jordao (Brasil)
Robin J-P., Boos M., Bedeccarats G., Petit O. and Zimmer C. Effects of an increase in predation risk on stress and reproduction in female mallards.
2010 Conference of the French Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour, Toulouse (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. Collective parental care in mallards: a crèching behaviour?
2009 Conference of the European Ornithologists’ Union, Zurich (Switzerland)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. Optimal behavioural adjustment to environmental pressure: an experimental study in mallards.
2008 International Congress of Zoology, Paris (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Petit O. and Robin J-P. Wing loading adjustment in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos): a generalization of the mass-dependent starvation predation risk theory in large birds?
2008 European Conference on Behavioural Biology, Dijon (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. (2008). Collective parental care in Mallard: a crèching strategy?
2007 Conference of the French Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour, Paris (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. Post-hatching parental care and hormonal status in a precocial bird, the mallard.
2007 Congress of the International Union of Game Biologists, Uppsala (Sweden)
Boos M., Zimmer C., Schricke V., Robin J-P and Groscolas R. 2007. Comparison of two non-invasive methods to estimate body lipids in ducks.
2006 European Conference on Behavioural Biology, Belfast (UK)
Lihoreau M., Zimmer C. and Rivault C. Kin recognition and incest avoidance in the German cockroach.
Teaching and mentoring experience
Teaching
2023 – 2024 Associate Professor, Brain and Psychology, Ethology, Scientific methods, Statistics (202h), University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2022 – 2023 Associate Professor, Brain and Psychology, Ethology, Scientific methods, Statistics (175.5h), University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2021 – 2022 Associate Professor, Brain and Psychology, Ethology, Scientific methods, Statistics (129.75h), University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2018 Guest Lecturer, Coping with Challenges: The hormonal mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity, University of Tennessee Chattanooga
2017 Guest Lecturer, Coping with stress: integrating development, physiology, brain and behavior, Franklin and Marshall College
2017 Guest Lecturer, Field Ornithology, Wrangell Mountain Alaska Summer Field Study, Evergreen State College, McCarthy (AK)
2015 Tutor, PS2001: Psychology 1, University of St Andrews
2010 Teaching assistant, Animal Behavior and Initiation to Scientific Research Activity, Faculty of Psychology, University of Strasbourg
2009 Guest Lecturer, Behavioral Endocrinology, Master Ecophysiology and Ethology, University of Strasbourg
2009 Teaching assistant, Animal Behavior and Conservation, Master Ecophysiology and Ethology, University of Strasbourg
2006 – 2008 Teaching assistant, Introduction to Biodiversity and Phylogenetic Classification, University of Strasbourg
2007 Guest Lecturer, Animal Behavior, Master in Biology Teaching, University of Strasbourg
Mentor
2024 Co-supervised Master 2 students, University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2020 – 2021 Supervised an Undergraduate student conducting research project, University of South Florida
2018 Mentored in the field and lab three Undergraduate students (UTC) in Tennessee and three undergraduate students (Cornell and F&M) in Wyoming.
2016 – 2017 Mentored five Undergraduate students (Cornell University, Franklin and Marshall College, University of Alaska Fairbanks) working on tree swallows in the lab and in remote field site (Alaska)
2016 Mentored Master student conducting independent research project, University of Saint Etienne
2013 Mentored two St Andrews Honours students and one Strasbourg Master student conducting independent research projects
2012 Mentored two summer student projects, University of St Andrews
2009 Mentored two Master students and three Undergraduate students conducting independent research projects, University of Strasbourg
2008 Mentored one Master students and two Undergraduate students conducting independent research projects, University of Strasbourg
2007 Co-mentored for two Master students conducting independent research projects, University of Strasbourg
Professional service and outreach
Service
2024 - present Member of Universities National Committee section 69
2023 – present Member of expert committee section 69, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
2022 – present Member of the selection committee of the Master in Ethology, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
2018 Co-organizer of the Stress Workshop at 2018 SICB conference
2015 Member of Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee, University of St Andrews
2013 Deputy for Radioprotection, University of St Andrews
2008 – 2009 Graduate Student Representative
Membership in Professional Societies
International Society for Behavioral Ecology, French Society for Animal Behavior Society (SFECA), European Ornithologists’ Union,
Manuscript reviews
Animal Behavior, Animal Biology, Behavioral Ecology, Behavioral Processes, Biology Letters, Current Zoology, Emu, European Journal of Wildlife Research, Functional Ecology, General and Comparative Endocrinology, Hormones & Behavior, Ibis, Integrative Organismal Biology, Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal of Avian Biology, Journal of Experimental Biology, Journal of Field Ornithology, Naturwissenschaften, Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, PloS One, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The American Naturalist, Waterbirds
Grant reviews
National Science Center, Poland
Sigma Xi
Outreach Activities
2022 Ma recherche en 180 briques, Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Paris (video)
2018 Stress in Tree Swallows, Chattanooga Chapter of TOS
2017 Consequences of early-life stress and stress resistance, Wrangell Mountain Center Summer Arts and Lecture Series, McCarthy (AK)
2016 Vitousek M.N. and Zimmer C. Tree swallows: windows into changing environments. Wrangell Mountain Hardware Store Herald
2009 – 2010 Volunteer work at the National Science Fair in Strasbourg
2009 Presentation of the lab and my research to a high school class
Sept. 2021 - current Associate Professor
Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
Oct. 2019 - Aug. 2021 Research Associate
Global and Planetary Health, University of South Florida
March 2016 – Sept. 2019 Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, USA
Jan. 2014 – Feb. 2016 Research Fellow
School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, UK
Oct. 2011 – Dec. 2013 Post-Doctoral Research Assistant
School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, UK
Education
2024 Accreditation to direct research (HDR) in Life and Health Sciences
University Sorbonne Paris Nord
Coping with stress: from hormones to physiological and behavioral flexibility
2006 – 2010 Ph.D. in Animal Behavior and Ecophysiology
University of Strasbourg, France
Dissertation title: Impact of disturbance on energy balance, behavior and reproduction in three duck species: generalization of the starvation-predation risks trade-off.
Advisors: Dr. Petit O. and Dr. Robin J-P.
2004 – 2006 MSc in Ethology, Ecology and Evolution
University of Rennes 1, France
2001 – 2004 BSc in Organismal Biology specialized in Behavioral Biology
University Henri Poincaré Nancy 1, France
Grants and awards
2023 Appel à projet Université Sorbonne Paris Nord (15000€)
2022 Institut Francilien de Recherche Biomediale Research Grant (3000€)
2014 – 2016 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Research grant (650000£)
Collaboration with Karen Spencer and Susan Healy
Project title: Cognitive decline during ageing: understanding the role of developmental and adult stress
2013 University of St Andrews Institutional Strategic Support Fund (15000£)
2010 IN. WALLONIA-Brussels International Excellence Grant (4000€)
2010 Universities of the Academy of Strasbourg award for the best dissertation (1500€)
2010 French Society for the Study of Animal Behavior travel awards (500€)
2008 French Society for the Study of Animal Behavior travel awards (500€)
2008 Association for the Study of Animal Behavior travel award (500€)
2007 French Society for the Study of Animal Behavior travel awards (500€)
2006 – 2010 Alsace Region Ph.D. fellowship (60657€)
2006 – 2009 University of Strasbourg Teaching Assistant fellowship (12232€)
Publications
Peer reviewed journal articles
* indicates equal contribution of the authors
43. Zimmer C., Hanson H.E., Garrison M., Reese D., Dor R., Søraker J.S., Thu P.H., Sheldon E.L. and Martin L.B. 2024. Immune gene expression and epigenetic potential affects the consumption of risky food by house sparrows. Brain Behaviour and Immunity 119: 6-13.
42. Ray D., Sheldon E.L., Zimmer C., Martin L.B. and Schrey A.W. 2024. Screening H3 histone acetylation in a wild bird, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Integrative Organismal Biology.
41. Zimmer C., Jimeno B. and Martin L.B. 2024. HPA flexibility and FKBP5: promising physiological targets for conservation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 379 (1898).
40. *Sheldon E., *Zimmer C., Hanson H.E., Koussayer B., Schrey A.W., Wigley P., Amy L. Wedley and Martin L.B. 2023. High epigenetic potential protects songbirds against pathogenic Salmonella enterica infection. Journal of Experimental Biology 226 (13): jeb245475.
39. Taff C.C., McNew S.M., Zimmer C., Uehling J., Houtz J., Ryan T.A., Chang van Oordt D.C., Injaian A.S. and Vitousek M.N. 2023. Social signal manipulation and environmental challenges have independent effects on physiology, internal microbiome, and reproductive performance in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology 1-13.
38. Ryan T.A., Taff C.C, Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2023. Cold temperatures induce priming of the glucose stress response in tree swallows. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A Molecular & Integrative Physiology 280: 111419.
37. Zimmer C., Taff C.C, Ardia D.R., Rosvall K.A., Kallenberg C., Taylor A.R, Bentz A.B., Johnson S. and Vitousek M.N. 2023. Gene expression in the female tree swallow brain is associated with inter- and intra-population variation in glucocorticoid levels. Hormones & Behavior 147: 105280.
36. Jimeno B. and Zimmer C. 2022. Glucocorticoid receptor expression as an integrative measure to assess glucocorticoid plasticity and efficiency in evolutionary endocrinology. A Perspective. Hormones & Behavior 145: 105240.
35. Martin L.B. and Zimmer C. 2022. Correspondence: Endocrine Flexibilities. Journal of Experimental Biology 225(16): jeb244646.
34. Vitousek M.N., Houtz J., Pipkin M., Chang van Oordt D., Hallinger K., Uehling J., Zimmer C. and Taff C.C. 2022. Natural and experimental cold exposure in adulthood increase the sensitivity to future stressors in a free-living songbird. Functional Ecology 36(10): 2531-2543.
33. Woodruff M., Zimmer C., Ardia D.R., Vitousek M.N. and Rosvall K.A. 2022. Heat Shock Protein Gene Expression Varies Among Tissues and Populations in Free Living Birds. Ornithology 139(3).
32. Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Ryan T.A., van Oordt D.C., Aborn D., Ardia D.R., Johnson L.S., Rose A. and Vitousek M.N. 2022. Individual variation in natural or manipulated corticosterone does not covary with circulating glucose in a wild bird. Journal of Experimental Biology 224: jeb243262.
31. Zimmer C., Woods H.A. and Martin L.B. 2022. Information theory in vertebrate stress physiology. Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism 33: 8-17.
30. Zimmer C., Hanson H.E. and Martin L.B. 2021. FKBP5 expression is related to HPA flexibility and the capacity to cope with stressors in female and male house sparrows. Hormones and Behavior 135: 105038.
29. Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Scheck D., Ryan T.A., Houtz J.L., Smee M.R., Hendry T.A. and Vitousek M.N. 2021. Plumage manipulation alters associations between behaviour, physiology, the internal microbiome, and fitness. Animal Behaviour 178: 11-36.
28. Hanson H.E., Zimmer C., Koussayer B., Schrey A.W., Maddox J.D., Martin L.B. 2021. Epigenetic potential affects immune gene expression in house sparrows. Journal of Experimental Biology 224.
27. Zimmer C., Hanson H.E., Wildman D.E., Uddin M. and Martin L.B. 2020. FKBP5: a key mediator of how vertebrates flexibly cope with adversity. BioScience 70(12): 1127-1138.
26. Schoenle L.A., Zimmer C., Miller E.T. and Vitousek M.N. 2021. Does variation in glucocorticoid concentrations associated with fitness? A phylogenetic meta-analysis. General and Comparative Endocrinology 300: 113611.
25. Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Ardia D.R., Rose A., Aborn D., Johnson L.S. and Vitousek M.N. 2020. Environmental unpredictability shapes glucocorticoids regulation across populations of tree swallows. Scientific Reports 10: 13682.
24. Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Ryan T.A. and Zimmer C. 2019. Stress resilience and the dynamic regulation of glucocorticoids. Integrative and Comparative Biology 59: 251-263.
23. Walker D., Zimmer C., Larriva M., Healy S., Spencer K.A. 2019. Early-life stress programs long-term cytokine and microglia expression within the HPA axis in female Japanese quail. Journal of Experimental Biology.
22. Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Ardia D.R., Winkler D.W. and Vitousek M.N. 2019. On again, off again: acute stress response and negative feedback together predict resilience to experimental challenges. Functional Ecology 33: 619-628.
21. Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2019. Achromatic plumage brightness predicts stress resilience and social interactions in tree swallows (Tachicyneta bicolor). Behavioral Ecology.
20. Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Ardia D.A., Stedman J.S., Zimmer C. and Winkler D.W. 2018. The lingering impact of stress: brief acute glucocorticoid exposure has sustained, dose-dependent effects on reproduction. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 285(1882).
19. Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2018. Efficacy of negative feedback in the HPA axis predicts recovery from acute challenges. Biology Letters 14(7).
18. Schoenle L.A., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. 2018. Understanding context dependence in glucocorticoid-fitness relationships: the role of the nature of the challenge, the intensity and frequency of stressors, and life history. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(4): 777-789.
17. Miles M.C., Vitousek M.N., Husak J.F., Johnson M.A., Martin L.B., Taff C.C, Zimmer C., Lovern M.B. and Fuxjager M.J. 2018. Standing Variation and the Capacity for Change: Are Endocrine Phenotypes More Variable Than Other Traits? Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(4): 751-762.
16. Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Hallinger K.K., Zimmer C. and Winkler D.W. 2018. Hormones and fitness: Evidence for trade-offs in glucocorticoid regulation across contexts. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 6(42).
15. Sheriff M.J., Bell A., Boonstra R., Dantzer B., Lavergne S.G., McGhee K.E., MacLeod K., Winandy L., Zimmer C. and Love O.P. 2017. Integrating Ecological and evolutionary context in the study of maternal stress. Integrative and Comparative Biology 57(3): 437-449.
14. Zimmer C., Larriva M., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. 2017. Transgenerational transmission of a stress-coping phenotype programmed by early-life stress in the Japanese quail. Scientific Reports 7: 46125.
13. Zimmer C. and Spencer K.A. 2015. Reduced resistance to oxidative stress during reproduction as a cost of early-life stress. Journal of Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology: Part A 183: 9-13.
12. Durand E., Petit O., Tremblay L., Zimmer C., Sgambato-Faure V., Chassain C., Laurent M., Pereira B., Silberberg C. and Durif F. 2015. Social behaviour changes in MPTP-treated monkey model of Parkinson's disease. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 9.
11. Zimmer C. and Spencer K.A. 2014. Modifications of glucocorticoids receptors mRNA expression in the HPA axis in response to early life stress in female Japanese quail. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 26: 853-860.
10. Duval C., Zimmer C., Mikšík I., Cassey P.and Spencer K.A. 2014. Early life stress shapes female reproductive strategy through eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail. General and Comparative Endocrinology 208: 146-153.
9. Zimmer C., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. 2013. Developmental programming: cumulative effects of increased pre-hatching corticosterone levels and post-hatching unpredictable food availability on physiology and behaviour in adulthood. Hormones & Behavior 64(3): 494-500.
8. Boogert N.J., Zimmer C. and Spencer K.A. 2013. Pre- and post-natal stress have opposing effects on social information use. Biology Letters 9(2).
7. Zimmer C., Boos M., Poulin N., Gosler A., Petit O. and Robin J-P. 2011. Evidence of the trade-off between starvation and predation risks in ducks. PLOS One 6(7): e22352.
6. Zimmer C., Boos M., Bertrand F., Robin J-P. and Petit O. 2011. Behavioural adjustment in response to an increase in predation risk: a study in three duck species. PLOS One. 6 (4): e18977.
5. Zimmer C., Boos M., Petit O. and Robin J-P. 2010. Body mass variations in disturbed mallards fit to the mass-dependent starvation-predation risk trade-off. Journal of Avian Biology. 41: 637-644.
4. Boss M., Auroy F., Liukkonen T., Zimmer C., Petit O. and Robin J-P. 2010. Brood desertion in ducks: the value of parental care for offspring survival. Wildlife Biology in Practice. 6: 95-106.
3. Lihoreau M., Zimmer C. and Rivault C., 2008. Mutual mate choice: when it pays both sexes to avoid inbreeding. PLOS One. 3 (10).
2. Lihoreau M., Zimmer C. and Rivault C., 2007. Kin recognition and incest avoidance in a group-living insect. Behavioral Ecology. 18: 880-887.
1. Boos M., Zimmer C., Carrière A., Robin J.P. and Petit O., 2007. Post-hatching parental care behaviour and hormonal status in a precocial bird. Behavioural Processes. 76: 206-214.
Manuscripts in review
McNew S., Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Uehling J., Ryan T., Chang van Oordt D., Houtz J., Injaian A. S., Vitousek M.N. Developmental stage-dependent effects of perceived predation risk on nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Ecology
Gould E., Fraser H.S., Parker T.H., Nakagawa S., (302 authors), Zimmer C., Zimmerman G.M., Zitomer R.A. Same data, different analysts: variation in effect sizes due to analytical decisions in ecology and evolutionary biology. BMC Biology
Manuscripts in preparation
Zimmer C., Larriva M., Healy S.D. and Spencer K.A. Benefits of early life adversity? Developmental stress can enhance learning and memory in adult Japanese quail.
Invited research seminars
2023 National Museum of Natural History, Brunoy
2021 4th International Student Course in Behavioral Biology, Francilien Institute for Ethology (IFE)
2020 University Rennes 1, Department of animal and human ethology (EthoS)
2019 Queen's University Belfast, School of Biology
2018 University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science seminar series
2018 University of Indiana Bloomington, Brown Bag Series
2016 Cornell University, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar Series
2015 University of Leeds, Biology Seminar Series
2015 Plymouth University, Biological and Marine Sciences Seminar Series
2014 University of St Andrews, Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences Seminar Series
2013 University of Strasbourg, IPHC – Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology Seminar Series
2012 University of St Andrews, Psycholoquia Seminar Series
2010 University of Strasbourg, IPHC – Graduate Students Seminar Series
2009 University of Strasbourg, IPHC – Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology Seminar Series
Contributed presentations and posters
2022 International Symposium for Avian Endocrinology, Edinburgh, UK
Zimmer C. and Martin L.B. HPA flexibility: a novel alternative to describe and understand animal coping capacity.
2022 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Phoenix, AZ
Martin L.B., Woods H.A. and Zimmer C. Information theory in vertebrate stress physiology.
2022 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Phoenix, AZ
Sheldon E.L., Zimmer C., Koussayer B., Reese D., Hanson H.E. and Martin L.B. Does epigenetic potential protect against Salmonella sp. infections in house sparrows?
2021 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, online
Zimmer C., Hanson H.E. and Martin L.B. How FKBP5 expression is affected by acute and chronic stress and relates to glucocorticoids levels in house sparrows.
2021 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, online
Hanson H.E., Wang C., Zimmer C., Schrey A.W., Liebl A., Ravinet M., Koussayer B., Maddox J.D., Jiang R.H.Y, Martin L.B. Epigenetic potential in an introduced passerine.
2021 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, online
Ryan T.A., Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Temperature-induced priming of the glucose response to subsequent challenges.
2020 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Austin, TX
Houltz, J.L., Shipley J.R., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Impacts of gut microbiota on developmental temperature priming in birds.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Zimmer C., Rosvall K.A., Ardia D.R., Taylor A.R, Bentz A.B., Taff C.C and Vitousek M.N. Differential MR and GR expression in the tree swallow brain is associated with individual variation in stress physiology.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Ardia D.R. Stress and success: The role of variation in the efficacy of negative feedback in the glucocorticoid stress response.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Taff C.C, Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Plumage Manipulation Alters Social Interactions and Reproductive Success in Female Tree Swallows.
2019 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, Tampa, FL
Ryan T.A., Taff C.C, Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Relationships between weather and circulating glucose concentrations in tree swallows.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Ardia D.R., Winkler D.W. and Vitousek M.N. Negative feedback efficacy predicts stress resilience during incubation in the tree swallow.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Schoenle L.A., Zimmer C., Miller E.T. and Vitousek M.N. Is variation in glucocorticoids regulation associated with fitness? A phylogenetic meta-analysis.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Feather color predicts resilience to stressors and social interactions in tree swallows.
2018 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, San Francisco, CA
Rodriguez A.M., Taff C.C., Zimmer C. and Vitousek M.N. Don’t get your feather ruffled: exploring candidate mechanisms linking plumage color and stress resilience in tree swallows.
2017 Symposium of Animal Physiological Ecology CEPA, Strasbourg (France)
Boos M., Huraux T., Massenet P., Bigot B., Daniel J., Petit O., Robin J-P. and Zimmer C. What can we learn from body fuel and wing loading adjustments? From experimental studied to the management of wetlands and waterfowl.
2017 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, New Orleans, LA
Zimmer C., Taff C.C., Scheck D. and Vitousek M.N. Effects of predator type and proximity on glucocorticoid level.
2017 The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, New Orleans, LA
Vitousek M.N., Taff C.C., Zimmer C., Ardia D.R., Salzman T.C. and Winkler D.W. Do, brief acute stressors have lasting effects on phenotype?
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Zimmer C., Larriva M., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. Intra- and inter-generational programming of phenotype by pre-natal stress.
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Zimmer C., Larriva M., Healy S. and Spencer K.A. Benefits of early life adversity: Developmental stress could enhance learning and memory in adult Japanese quail.
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Spencer K.A. and Zimmer C. Developmentally driven HPA axis regulation: developmental stress alters 11β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in the CNS and peripheral tissue. Symposium on Avian Endocrinology.
2016 International Symposium on Avian Endocrinology, Niagara on the Lake (Canada)
Walker D., Zimmer C., Healy S. and Spencer K.A. Early-life stress permanently alters cytokine and microglia expression within the HPA axis in female Japanese quail. Symposium on Avian Endocrinology.
2016 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, Exeter (UK)
Larriva M., Zimmer C., Healy S. and Spencer K.A. Developmental stress could enhance learning and memory in novel environments.
2015 Endocrinology Conference, Atlanta, GA. Invited Speaker
Zimmer C. Developmental programming effects of pre-natal stress on the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and behaviour in the Japanese quail.
2015 Symposium of Animal Physiological Ecology CEPA, La Rochelle (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Bedeccarats G., Arrivé M., Petit O and Robin J-P. Repeated disturbance in mallards from the wintering period through early egg-laying has no carry-over effects on breeding decision, chick development and breeding success.
2014 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, New York City, NY
Zimmer C., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. Mum’s the word: trans-generational transmission of phenotypes programmed by early-life stress.
2014 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, New York City, NY
Duval C., Zimmer C., Cassey P. and Spencer K.A. Early life stress shapes female reproductive strategy through eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail.
2013 Symposium of Animal Physiological Ecology CEPA, Lyon (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Petit O., Durand L., Briard L., Grenna M., Malacarne G., Bernard-Laurent A. and Robin J-P. The starvation-predation risk trade-off in birds: from pioneer studies in passerines to recent advances in ducks and partridges.
2012 International Behavioral Ecology Congress, Lund (Sweden)
Zimmer C., Boogert N.J. and Spencer K.A. Developmental programming: interactive effects of pre- and post- natal stress on behaviour.
2012 European Conference on Behavioural Biology, Essen (Germany)
Spencer K.A., Boogert N.J. and Zimmer C. Developmental programming: interactive effects of pre- and post-natal stress on behaviour.
2012 Third Pan-European duck symposium, Jindřichův Hradec (Czech Republic)
Boos M., Zahariev A., Blanc S., Petit O., Robin J-P. and Zimmer C. 2012. Effects of disturbance induced predation risk on body mass, body condition and food consumption in ducks.
2011 Congress of the International Union of Game Biologists, Barcelona (Spain)
Boos M., Zimmer C., Briard L., Petit O., Grenna M., Malacarne G., Bernard-Laurent A. and Robin J-P. 2011. Does disturbance response match the starvation-predation risk trade-off in the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis)?
2011 Conference of the European Ornithologists’ Union, Riga (Latvia)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Blanc S, Zahariev A., Petit O. and Robin J-P. Predation risk, body reserves and energy expenditure in ducks.
2010 International Ornithological Congress, Campos Do Jordao (Brasil)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. 2010. Behavioural adjustments in response to increased predation risk: an experimental study in the tufted duck.
2010 International Ornithological Congress, Campos Do Jordao (Brasil)
Robin J-P., Boos M., Bedeccarats G., Petit O. and Zimmer C. Effects of an increase in predation risk on stress and reproduction in female mallards.
2010 Conference of the French Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour, Toulouse (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. Collective parental care in mallards: a crèching behaviour?
2009 Conference of the European Ornithologists’ Union, Zurich (Switzerland)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. Optimal behavioural adjustment to environmental pressure: an experimental study in mallards.
2008 International Congress of Zoology, Paris (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Petit O. and Robin J-P. Wing loading adjustment in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos): a generalization of the mass-dependent starvation predation risk theory in large birds?
2008 European Conference on Behavioural Biology, Dijon (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. (2008). Collective parental care in Mallard: a crèching strategy?
2007 Conference of the French Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour, Paris (France)
Zimmer C., Boos M., Robin J-P. and Petit O. Post-hatching parental care and hormonal status in a precocial bird, the mallard.
2007 Congress of the International Union of Game Biologists, Uppsala (Sweden)
Boos M., Zimmer C., Schricke V., Robin J-P and Groscolas R. 2007. Comparison of two non-invasive methods to estimate body lipids in ducks.
2006 European Conference on Behavioural Biology, Belfast (UK)
Lihoreau M., Zimmer C. and Rivault C. Kin recognition and incest avoidance in the German cockroach.
Teaching and mentoring experience
Teaching
2023 – 2024 Associate Professor, Brain and Psychology, Ethology, Scientific methods, Statistics (202h), University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2022 – 2023 Associate Professor, Brain and Psychology, Ethology, Scientific methods, Statistics (175.5h), University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2021 – 2022 Associate Professor, Brain and Psychology, Ethology, Scientific methods, Statistics (129.75h), University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2018 Guest Lecturer, Coping with Challenges: The hormonal mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity, University of Tennessee Chattanooga
2017 Guest Lecturer, Coping with stress: integrating development, physiology, brain and behavior, Franklin and Marshall College
2017 Guest Lecturer, Field Ornithology, Wrangell Mountain Alaska Summer Field Study, Evergreen State College, McCarthy (AK)
2015 Tutor, PS2001: Psychology 1, University of St Andrews
2010 Teaching assistant, Animal Behavior and Initiation to Scientific Research Activity, Faculty of Psychology, University of Strasbourg
2009 Guest Lecturer, Behavioral Endocrinology, Master Ecophysiology and Ethology, University of Strasbourg
2009 Teaching assistant, Animal Behavior and Conservation, Master Ecophysiology and Ethology, University of Strasbourg
2006 – 2008 Teaching assistant, Introduction to Biodiversity and Phylogenetic Classification, University of Strasbourg
2007 Guest Lecturer, Animal Behavior, Master in Biology Teaching, University of Strasbourg
Mentor
2024 Co-supervised Master 2 students, University Sorbonne Paris Nord
2020 – 2021 Supervised an Undergraduate student conducting research project, University of South Florida
2018 Mentored in the field and lab three Undergraduate students (UTC) in Tennessee and three undergraduate students (Cornell and F&M) in Wyoming.
2016 – 2017 Mentored five Undergraduate students (Cornell University, Franklin and Marshall College, University of Alaska Fairbanks) working on tree swallows in the lab and in remote field site (Alaska)
2016 Mentored Master student conducting independent research project, University of Saint Etienne
2013 Mentored two St Andrews Honours students and one Strasbourg Master student conducting independent research projects
2012 Mentored two summer student projects, University of St Andrews
2009 Mentored two Master students and three Undergraduate students conducting independent research projects, University of Strasbourg
2008 Mentored one Master students and two Undergraduate students conducting independent research projects, University of Strasbourg
2007 Co-mentored for two Master students conducting independent research projects, University of Strasbourg
Professional service and outreach
Service
2024 - present Member of Universities National Committee section 69
2023 – present Member of expert committee section 69, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
2022 – present Member of the selection committee of the Master in Ethology, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
2018 Co-organizer of the Stress Workshop at 2018 SICB conference
2015 Member of Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee, University of St Andrews
2013 Deputy for Radioprotection, University of St Andrews
2008 – 2009 Graduate Student Representative
Membership in Professional Societies
International Society for Behavioral Ecology, French Society for Animal Behavior Society (SFECA), European Ornithologists’ Union,
Manuscript reviews
Animal Behavior, Animal Biology, Behavioral Ecology, Behavioral Processes, Biology Letters, Current Zoology, Emu, European Journal of Wildlife Research, Functional Ecology, General and Comparative Endocrinology, Hormones & Behavior, Ibis, Integrative Organismal Biology, Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal of Avian Biology, Journal of Experimental Biology, Journal of Field Ornithology, Naturwissenschaften, Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, PloS One, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, The American Naturalist, Waterbirds
Grant reviews
National Science Center, Poland
Sigma Xi
Outreach Activities
2022 Ma recherche en 180 briques, Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Paris (video)
2018 Stress in Tree Swallows, Chattanooga Chapter of TOS
2017 Consequences of early-life stress and stress resistance, Wrangell Mountain Center Summer Arts and Lecture Series, McCarthy (AK)
2016 Vitousek M.N. and Zimmer C. Tree swallows: windows into changing environments. Wrangell Mountain Hardware Store Herald
2009 – 2010 Volunteer work at the National Science Fair in Strasbourg
2009 Presentation of the lab and my research to a high school class