Christian H. Fritsen

Associate Research Professor

Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

Email: Chris.Fritsen@dri.edu

Education

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. This professional interest also leads to studies of 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 through the interactions with the next generation of scientists and stewards of our environment.

Research

Professional Activities

Selected Publications

Ackley,. S.F., M. J. Lewis, C.H. Fritsen and H. Xie. 2008:

Internal melting in Antarctic sea ice: Development of "gap" layers. J. Geoophys. Res. Lett. 35(11)11503.

Fritsen, C.H., J. Memmott and F.J. Stewart. 2008:

Inter-annual sea ice dynamics and micro-algal biomass in winter pack ice: Marguerite Bay, Antarctica. Deep Sea Research II. doi:10.1016/j.dsr2.2008.04.034.

Peternel, K., L. Saito and C.H. Fritsen. 2008:

Evaluation of a modleing approach to assess nitrogen assimilative capacity due to river restoration. J. of Water Resources Planning and Management. 134(5) 474. doi: 10.1061/(AASCE)0733-9496(2008)134:5(474).

Green, M.B., and C.H. Fritsen. 2006.

Spatial variation of nutrient balance in the Truckee River, California-Nevada.. J. American Water Resources Association 42(3): 659-674.

Stewart, F.J. and C.H. Fritsen. (2004):

Bacteria–algae relationships in Antarctic Sea ice. Antarctic Science. 16(2)143-156.

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.

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.

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 in the Ross Sea. Marine Ecology Progress Series 259: 1-15.

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