Her current research interest is exploring histone proteins in the mitochondria (link to abstract on PubMed; link to full PDF). She has also developed a hypothesis for a cure for HIV infection (link to publication). Dr. Zanin is active in promoting stronger pre-college education in the STEM fields and is a member of CASTLE, a faculty club dedicated to improving teaching and learning at The Citadel (link to publication). She was the 2009 recipient of The Citadel’s Clinton A. Medbery Award for Dedication in Teaching and the 2018 recipient of the School of Science and Math's Early Career Faculty Award. She is also the Pre-Health Advisor, the administrator of the Pre-Health Mentorship Program, and she serves on the Online Education Advisory Board. Her office is Bond Hall 322.