Scott Pitnick

Scott Pitnick is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds the Weeden Professorship in Biology (2014-2024) and founded the Center for Reproductive Evolution. His research focuses on sexual selection, speciation, and the evolutionary biology of reproductive traits, particularly in Drosophila species.

Dr. Pitnick received his Ph.D. in Zoology from Arizona State University (1992) and B.S. in Entomology from Cornell University (1986). His work examines molecular mechanisms underlying sperm competition, female reproductive tract responses, and evolutionary innovations in reproductive systems.

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on proteomic and genomic analyses of reproductive traits, with recent work exploring post-ejaculatory sperm modifications, female reproductive tract dynamics, and comparative genomics across insect species. Research trends show increasing integration of molecular techniques with evolutionary questions in reproductive biology.

• Weeden Professorship in Biology (2014-2024)

Dr. Pitnick directs multiple NSF-funded projects including 'The Molecular Life History of Male Gametes' and 'Graduate Research Fellowship Program'. He mentors students through the Biology Distinction Program and coordinates thesis seminars.

He founded and directs the Center for Reproductive Evolution, coordinating interdisciplinary research on evolutionary reproductive biology across multiple institutions.