Eric A. Zillmer, PsyD

Carl R. Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology
Expertise psychology sports
A licensed clinical psychologist, Zillmer is a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the American Psychological Association, the Society for Personality Assessment, and the National Academy of Neuropsychology for which he also served as president. He has written extensively in the areas of sports psychology, neuropsychology and psychological assessment, having published more than 100 journal articles, book chapters and books.
 
As the former director of athletics, Zillmer assisted in the completion of the Walter Spiro Varsity Weight Room, the creation of the Drexel Athletics logo, the Blue Cross Wellness Center, the remodeling of the department's Sport Medicine facility, extensive renovations at the Vidas Athletic Complex, the creation of a new 84,000 square feet Recreation Center, transfer of the Philadelphia Armory to Drexel Athletics, and securing the winning bid for the 2008 Olympic Trials in Table Tennis.

In The News

7 Ways a Sports Psychologist Helps Pro Athletes Deal with Disappointment and Failure (That You Can Try Too)
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in an Aug. 9 Well + Good article about how professional athletes deal with disappointment and failure, and how to incorporate those coping strategies in everyday life.
A Taylor Swift-Themed Addiction Recovery Group Started in Philly and Became ‘A Community With the Vibe of a Taylor Concert’
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted an April 27 Philadelphia Inquirer article about a Taylor Swift-themed addiction recovery group that uses the fandom to work through addiction, recovery and other mental health issues.
Are Left Handed People More Creative? Brain Scans Reveal Why These Individuals Might Be Wired Differently
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in a March 7 Insider article about what a person's dominate hand shows about how their brain works and specifically whether left-handed people more creative than right-handed people.
Eagles Fans Were Ready to Party. They Experienced ‘Heartbreak’ Instead.
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in a Feb. 13 Philadelphia Inquirer article on how people across the region are handing the Eagles' Super Bowl loss.
The Psychology Behind Bandwagon Eagles Fans
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in a Feb. 9 KYW-TV (CBS-3) story about Philadelphia residents, who may not watch football, rooting for the Eagles to win the Super Bowl and the psychology of "joining the bandwagon."
Is Aaron Rodgers’s 4-Day “Darkness Retreat” Great for Mental Health or a Nightmare?
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in a Feb. 9 POPSUGAR article on NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ recent declaration that he will do a “darkness retreat,” or sensory deprivation therapy, to help him decide on the future of his career.
5 Ways Cheering for Your Favorite World Cup Team Improves Your Health
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in a Dec. 2 Popular Science article on the health benefits of cheering for a favorite sports team, even when just spectating from home.
Why the Phillies’ and Eagles’ Successes Might Have You Feeling Happier, Even if You’re Not a Fan
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in an Oct. 13 Philadelphia Inquirer article about how the recent successes of Philadelphia's professional sports teams - the Phillies, Eagles and Union - impacts the feelings and moods of fans, and even non-sports fans.

Related Articles

Wooden signs stacked on a beach with different sayings related to enjoying the moment. Happy New Year 2025! Try These Proven Lifestyle Tips to Make Your New Year Happier.
Advice, inspiration and ideas for having a happy 2025.
A classical guitar concert of Croatian-born Ana Vidovic performing in Girona, Spain, on Sept. 3, 2022. Starting 2024 on a Happy Note!
Your path to bringing more joy to your life could start with this virtual trip and expert-approved tips for increasing happiness.
The word 2023 is written on a highway in the middle of an empty asphalt road at dawn and a beautiful blue sky. New year 2023 concept. So … How Are You Doing with Your 2023 New Year’s Resolution?
Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology Eric Zillmer, PsyD, shared eight tips for staying on track with your goals.
Image of a destroyed Russian vehicle under the Ukrainian flag outside. Q&A: Military Psychology and Russian Atrocities in Ukraine
Eric Zillmer, PsyD, Carl R. Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, offered his insight as a neuropsychologist whose third edition of the “Military Psychology” book he co-edited was published five days after the six-month anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
The new 8,500-seat Atlantic Union Bank Center on the campus of JMU, site of the men’s CAA Basketball Championships. A Magical Season: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the 2021 Championship Season of Drexel Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Drexel’s Director of Athletics shared what it was like for both Drexel basketball teams to make the NCAA Tournament.
Inkblot ‘What Might This Be?’ The Art and Science of Rorschach Inkblots Opens at Drexel
“What might this be?” Is an innocent question, and one that Hermann Rorschach asked of a series of inkblots he developed, in hope of diving further into the inner workings of the human mind in the 1920s. Rorschach combined two of his passions, graphic arts and the science of medicine, as a catalyst for inquiry into the psyche – and in this process, he also created art.
Top Drexel sports moments of 2015 Replay the Top 20 Biggest Moments of Drexel Sports in 2015
Looking back at a year featuring a lot of “firsts,” “bests” and international travel, Director of Athletics Eric Zillmer, PsyD, picks the top 20 biggest moments from 2015.
Men's basketball in China Director's Blog: Men's Basketball Bids Farewell to China
Drexel Athletics Director Eric Zillmer, PsyD, shares highlights of the men's basketball trip to China.