Carl Zimmer (born 1966) is a popular science writer and blogger, especially regarding the study of evolution and parasites. He has written several books and contributes science essays to publications such as The New York Times and Discover. He is a Fellow at Yale University's Morse College. He lives in Guilford, Connecticut, with his wife and their two children. His father, Dick Zimmer, was a Republican congressman from New Jersey from 1991 through 1997. His brother, Benjamin Zimmer, is a linguist.
Besides his popular science writing, Zimmer also gives frequent lectures, and has been on many radio shows, including National Public Radio's Fresh Air and This American Life. His most recent award was a 2007 prize for science communication, from the United States National Academy of Sciences for his wide and fascinating coverage of biology and evolution in newspapers, magazines and his internet blog. Since 11 November, 2009 (episode 35) he is host of the periodic audio podcast of the American Society for Microbiology Meet the Scientist replacing Merry Buckley.