Zach graduated from Michigan State University in 2018 with a B.Sc. in microbiology and went on to work as a research assistant at Michigan State for another two years. He joined the Thyer lab in Fall 2020, where Zach is working to develop novel pathways for bioremediation and upcycling industrial waste into high-value natural products as well as expanding genetic engineering into non-model organisms. Outside the lab, Zach enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, and tennis, reading, playing board and video games, and exploring the Houston area.