Her research focuses on the cellular mechanisms that correspond to the development of insulin resistance in Type II diabetes.

[1][2] Her other research areas look at exercise-mediated effects on skeletal muscle glucose metabolism and gene expression.

She earned her bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin in 1984.

In 2006, she became a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board, Keystone Organization/Symposium, and also joined the Nobel Assembly, Karolinska Institutet.

In 2010, she was named Professor of Integrative Physiology, Scientific Director, Integrative Physiology Section, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen Zierath is a member of the Nobel Committee since 2011, after serving as an Adjunct member from 2008–10, and its chairman from 2013 to 2015.