Chris Pritsos

Chris Pritsos serves as Interim Chair of Nutrition, Associate Dean of Research, and Director of the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Nevada, Reno within the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.

His academic credentials include:

• B.A. from Occidental College (1975)
• Ph.D. from the University of Nevada (1982)

Dr. Pritsos specializes in environmental toxicology with emphasis on neonicotinoid insecticides' effects on avian species and honey bees. He developed a homing pigeon model to study contaminant impacts on flight navigation and reproduction using GPS tracking and cholinesterase assays. His research extends to tobacco control policy, molecular toxicology of anticancer drugs, and asthma pharmacogenetics, bridging laboratory science with ecological and public health applications.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on environmental contaminant impacts across biological scales—from molecular mechanisms (Mitomycin C ribosomal inhibition) to ecosystem-level consequences (neonicotinoids disrupting bird migration). His work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of toxicology, ornithology, and public policy, particularly regarding Nevada-specific environmental health challenges.

No scientific awards were documented in the source material.

The provided texts contain no information about student mentorship or research grants.

Dr. Pritsos leads a specialized laboratory utilizing homing pigeons as an avian model system. His team employs GPS technology to quantify flight navigation impairments from pesticide exposure while measuring biochemical endpoints like cholinesterase inhibition. This approach uniquely connects insecticide toxicity to migratory behavior disruption, addressing critical gaps in ecological risk assessment for protected avian species.