Dr. Thomas Pirtle Biology Associate Professor

Dr. Thomas Pirtle has been with The College of Idaho since 2014.  As an Assistant Professor of Biology at The College of Idaho, he regularly teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Pathobiology, Developmental Biology, and Health Science Seminar.  Dr. Pirtle also teaches Regional Anatomy and Histology as part of the Physician Assistant Program in partnership with Idaho State University. 

Dr. Pirtle’s diverse research program at The College of Idaho focuses on comparative physiology, developmental biology, and neuroethology.  His most current research, in collaboration with Dr. Heggland’s lab, uses the developing chick embryo as a model to identify the possible harmful effects of electronic cigarette chemical flavorings on bone development.  Other research interests include comparative cardiac physiology using the freshwater crustacean, Daphnia magna and control of locomotor behavior in the marine mollusk, Clione limancina. The most recently published work on Daphnia magna in 2018 involved three College of Idaho undergraduate students who co-authored the paper.

Dr. Pirtle’s goal as a professor and mentor of College of Idaho students is to his students to become successful professionals in healthcare and biology.  Dr. Pirtle is proud of the accomplishments of many College of Idaho students who have gained acceptance to professional schools in medical, physician assistant, dental, physical therapy, and biology graduate programs.  In the classroom, Dr. Pirtle’s problems-based approach to curriculum fosters critical thinking and cultivates collaboration among students to help them become proficient, skilled, and compassionate healthcare providers. 

Dr. Pirtle enjoys teaching at The College of Idaho where both faculty and students work together as a community of learners.  Dr. Pirtle is proud to be a Yote!

Dr. Pirtle taught at Grand Canyon University and Abilene Christian University before coming to The College of Idaho.  He has fifteen years of professional teaching experience teaching a variety of classes that include anatomy and physiology, general biology for both biology majors and non-majors, pathobiology, general and medical physiology, histology, developmental biology, microbiology, seminars in biology and health science.