Aaron J. Zynda, PhD, CCRP

Dr. Zynda is a Research Assistant Professor with the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the Concussion Research Laboratory in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Doctoral degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University in 2023, with concentrations in cognitive motor neuroscience, sports psychology, and neuroepidemiology. Before his doctoral program, he worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, earning his Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification in 2018. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Movement Science from the University of Michigan in 2015, where he first developed an interest in a career in clinical research and concussion.

Dr. Zynda was hired as a faculty member in August 2025, following a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship with the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the Concussion Research Laboratory. His research interests include using clinical profiles to inform multidomain assessment of concussion and targeted, active interventions and rehabilitation programs to improve brain health outcomes and mitigate long-term morbidity. Dr. Zynda is the first or contributing author on 55 peer-reviewed publications, and his work has been featured in reputable journals, including Sports Medicine, the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and the Journal of Pediatrics. He is an avid lecturer, with over 150 professional presentations nationally and internationally on topics related to concussion and clinical research. Dr. Zynda has received funding for his research from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Michigan State University College of Education. He has also received several honors for his work, including the University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association (UPPDA) Postdoctoral Research Symposium Best Poster Presentation in 2025, the Sports Neuropsychology Society (SNS) Outstanding Trainee Award in 2024, and the American Kinesiology Association (AKA) National Doctoral Scholar Award in 2023. Outside of work, he enjoys playing basketball, rooting for Michigan sports teams and the Crystal Palace F.C., reading science fiction, and traveling the world with friends and family.