Dr. Pryor's research focuses on understanding the interaction between anesthetic drugs and the memory systems of the human brain. Because anesthetics have such a remarkable effect on human memory, careful study of the mechanisms of these drugs can provide critical insight into how human memory functions work.
This research involves the use of positron emission spectography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalographic analysis.

Dr. Pryor is the recipient of a number of research and teaching awards, and his work is funded by the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research and the Brotherton Foundation Fellowship.