Dr. Zawada joins RVU-MCOM as the Chair of Biomedical Sciences Department. He earned his doctorate in physiology and biophysics from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Zawada led a research team studying neurodegenerative diseases and taught at the University of Colorado School of Medicine for nearly 20 years. He is a founding faculty member of the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. He comes to us from the AT Still University, Arizona campus, where he served as Chair of Basic Medical Science Education Department. Beyond these leadership experiences, he led multiple cave mapping and exploration expeditions to northeast India. Dr. Zawada enjoys mountain biking and skiing and shares a passion for camping, hiking, and travel with his wife. They reside in Montana together with their daughter and an energetic husky.