Eric Bortz

Eric Bortz is Associate Professor in Biological Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage. His research program investigates host-pathogen interactions, particularly mechanisms of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses like H5N1. Using functional genomics approaches including RNA interference and proteomics, his lab studies how viral polymerase complexes interact with human host factors.

Bortz's recent publications demonstrate field surveillance capabilities, including studies on Francisella in marine mammals (2025), rapid TB diagnostics (2025), and antimicrobial resistance in poultry pathogens (2024). His team actively monitors emerging viruses in Alaska's wildlife populations.

He teaches undergraduate immunology and mentors thesis research students. His doctoral work at UCLA and postdoctoral training at Mount Sinai focused on herpesvirus assembly and influenza virology.