He specializes in modern rhetorical theory, the rhetoric of science, digital composing, and writing pedagogy. He regularly teaches a range of writing classes designed to help undergraduate students negotiate the kinds of written texts they will encounter in both their academic careers and professional lives. His research focuses on how students transfer their writing practices and knowledge across different contexts and the role of digital writing technologies in creating public discourse. Dr. Zawilski is an Associate Editor for the online open-access journal Kairos and also serves as the Coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Rhetoric & Composition at Appalachian State University.