Education
| Postdoc |
1995-1998 |
Montana State University, Bozeman |
Biological Sciences Dept |
| Ph.D. |
1995 |
University of Southern California, Los Angeles |
Biological Sciences |
| B.S. |
1988 |
Montana State University, Bozeman |
Biology |
Professional
Interests
As a systems microbial ecologist, Dr. Fritsen studies the transfer of energy and cycling of materials within ecosystems that are mediated by bacteria, algae and protists. His work focuses on how the microbes and their interactions are influenced by the time-varying physical features of their environment. One long-standing area of interests has been on the interaction between seasonal ice dynamics and microbial production in polar ice environments. Such studies provide insights into microbial adaptations, microbial interactions within complex systems, and the possibility of life supporting habitats beyond earth. An emerging area of personal interest also lies in the interactions between a society's use of nutrients that influences microalgal seasonal production cycles and community structure which, in turn, affect the beneficial uses of aquatic ecosystems.
Having these interests mandates that the majority of Dr. Fritsen's time involves planning, conducting and reporting on field work and laboratory-based studies. Teaching and advising in both undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Nevada Reno in addition to public outreach seminars and school visitations also allows ample opportunity for obtaining fresh perspectives and youthful energy through interactions with the next generation of scientists and stewards of our environment.
Professional Activities
Research
Projects |
Interests |
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- Microbial life in extreme environments
- Thermodynamics of ice
- Microalgal ecophysiology
- Hydrological optics
- Nutrient dynamics in extreme environments
- Trophodynamics of polar ecosystems
- Systems modeling
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Selected Publications
- Gowing, M.M. D.L. Garrison, A.H. Gibson, J.M. Krupp, M.O. Jeffries and C.H. Fritsen. (2004):
- Bacteria and viral abundance in Ross Sea summer pack ice communities. Mar. Ecol Prog. Ser. 279:3-12.
- Stewart, F.J. and C.H. Fritsen. (2004):
- Bacteria–algae relationships in Antarctic Sea ice. Antarctic Science. 16(2)143-156.
- Green, M.B. and C. H. Fritsen, submitted:
- Nutrient balance for periphyton growth along a montane to desert gradient: The Truckee River, Nevada. J. American Water Resources.
- Tranter, M., A. Fountain, C.H. Fritsen, B. Lyons, P. Statham, and K. Welch, (2004):
- Algae generate extreme hydrochemical conditions within natural terrariums in Antarctic ice. Hydrological Processes 18:379-387.
- Garrison, D. L., M. O. Jeffries, A.H. Gibson, S.L. Coale, D.R. Neenan, C.H. Fritsen, and Y.B. Okolodkov,
- (2003): Development of sea ice microbial communities during autumn ice formation. Marine Ecology Progress Series 259: 1-15.
- Doran, P.T., C.H. Fritsen, C.P. McKay, J.C. Priscu, and E.A., Adams, (2003):
- Formation and Character of an Ancient 19 m Ice Cover and Underlying Trapped Brine in an "ice-sealed" east Antarctic lake. Proceedings of National Academy of Science. Vol. 100: pp26-31.
- Fritsen, C.H., (2002):
- Snow and ice environments. In Encyclopedia of Environmental Microbiology. Edited by G. Bitton, John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp. 2872-2880.
- Fritsen, C.H., S.L. Coale, D.R Neenan, A.H. Gibson and D.L. Garrison. (2001):
- Biomass, Production and Microhabitat Characteristics near the Freeboard of Ice Floes in the Ross Sea During the Austral Summer. Annals of Glaciol. 33: 280-286.
Complete List of Publications
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