Christopher Robert Vanselow

Chris Grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. After graduating high school, Chris joined the US Navy. He consistently graduated first in his class and usually got first pick of duty stations and additional training. He flew as Combat Aircrew and was a valued member of the VP-17th “White Lightning” Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron. Over a span of ten years, his stations included Pensacola Florida, Alameda California, Barber’s Point Hawaii, Masawa Japan, and North Island/Coronado California. He held top secret clearance and was trusted with his squadron’s classified papers. Chris participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His decision to leave the Navy was so that he could further his education.

After leaving the armed forces, Chris tested for and was admitted to Revelle College at the University of California, San Diego. He was an honors student and graduated with degrees in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. He volunteered at the University medical center and coordinated research in pulmonary medicine. He was offered admission to Harvard Medical School but turned it down to pursue graduate studies in Chemistry. Chris earned scholarships from the National Academy of Science, The National Science Foundation IGERT program, and the US Navy to attend Arizona State University. He was selected for Dr. Petra Fromme’s laboratory research team where he was mentored in studying the structures of photosynthesis I receptors. He completed his dissertation in 2009 and received his PhD in Biochemistry. Since then, Chris’ discovery has been cited 63 times in the scientific literature.

His work after graduation has included Senior field application specialist with AgilentTechnologies, Waters, and Thermofisher Scientific where he traveled extensively. He helped clients develop equipment and techniques in clinical diagnostics, toxicology, proteomics, membrane, soluble protein crystallography and biomarker discovery. His current work includes monitoring and safety in the cannabis industry.

In 2004 Chris married the love of his life, Lisa, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they lived in San Diego, California and Chandler, Arizona.

Chris leaves behind his wife Lisa, family, and many human and animal friends who will miss him very much.

A memorial service for Christopher will be held Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Christopher's memory may be made to Ash's Grove Foundation, 194 S Freds Rd, Young, Arizona 85554, www.ashsgrove.com/.