Dr. Zimmers has served as principal investigator or project manager on more than 1,125 research and technology transfer projects with over 450 industry partners. Economic return of more than forty-nine ($49) million dollars was documented for the subset of these projects that were co-sponsored by the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania economic development organization. (Total program impact has been estimated in excess of $86 million. Projects typically have been completed in the areas of operational improvements, enterprise systems resource integration, and product development and enhancement. For example, operational improvement projects with a food manufacturer resulted in increased line speed and throughput, implementation of optimum production scheduling techniques (including advanced linear programming) that minimize changeovers and production costs, and enhance the agility of the supply chain. The client verified over $2 million in annual cost savings. These projects provided project experience for 31 undergraduate/master’s degree students, and the technical problem basis for additional Ph.D. theses. A large customized precision sheet metal fabricator needed to re-engineer numerous business processes in order to implement a new ERP system. Results of the project included: revamping order administration; developing new algorithms for production planning and job order scheduling; implementing inventory management and quality procedures; and collecting real-time production data to aid in work scheduling and costing. The dollar impact was $400,000 - $500,000 per year. At a manufacturer of commercial ovens, design analysis resulted in improved product designs and lower manufacturing costs saving $500, 000 annually. The intensive involvement of students in these projects strengthens their technical skills, furthers their professional development, broadens their understanding of business environments, and provides opportunities to develop leadership skills. For example, leadership skills are developed through several student-run consulting companies that have been operating since 1994.