Joseph Zoller
Joseph Zoller, PhD, is a Lecturer in the Department of Biostatistics at the Fielding School of Public Health. He earned his doctoral degree in Biostatistics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he conducted research under the guidance of Dr. Steve Horvath and Dr. Christina Ramirez. His research is centered on the development of statistical tools for measuring biological aging in humans and animal models, with a specific focus on DNA methylation-based biomarkers of aging, known as epigenetic clocks.
Dr. Zoller has made significant contributions to the field of epigenetic aging, particularly in the development of numerous species-specific clocks in both mammals and some non-mammals. His work includes the creation of the cetacean epigenetic clock, which provides insights into aging and lifespan regulation in whales and dolphins for studying wild populations, as well as the primate clock, which refines our understanding of epigenetic aging across primate species. Additionally, he played a key role in developing the universal pan-mammalian clock, a groundbreaking model that predicts biological age across the vast array of all mammalian species. Through these studies, Dr. Zoller’s research not only enhances our ability to measure biological aging in animal models, but also contributes to broader investigations into longevity, evolutionary biology, and comparative genomics. His recent, yet-to-be-published work as part of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) examines the effects of HIV and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on aging biomarkers and immune cell compositions, offering critical insights into the intersection of infectious disease, immunosenescence, and biological aging.
In his role as a lecturer, Dr. Zoller has a strong passion for teaching, both at the graduate and undergraduate level. He prioritizes accessibility and equity in instruction, recognizing that effective instruction extends beyond conveying knowledge, to fostering essential skills, self-reflection, and mentorship. He is dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment in his classes that accommodates diverse student backgrounds and learning styles. Drawing from active learning techniques and collaborative teaching methods, he encourages critical thinking and structured problem-solving, while ensuring that students develop the practical knowledge necessary for success in their future public health careers. He also emphasizes the importance of having a holistic approach to education that supports both the academic and personal well-being of students.
Dr. Zoller’s dedication to both research and teaching reflects his broader commitment to advancing public health and biomedical research through rigorous statistical methodologies. By extending tools for measuring aging, and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals, he seeks to bridge the gap between cutting-edge biostatistical research and real-world applications in public health and medicine.
Education
- PhD, Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- MS, Mathematical Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- BS, Mathematical Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States