The Richard Lincoln Turner Endowed Research Fund
Purpose
Support undergraduate research on organismal, cell, or molecular biology. (GF000188)Description
Funds will be used to support undergraduate research at the discretion of the Biological Sciences Department Head. Students applying for these funds must submit a competitive proposal for selection. Funds may be used to purchase supplies and equipment for both laboratory and field studies in research programs of junior department faculty or in research programs of senior department faculty who do not have external funding. Recipient may later apply for funds to cover travel to present results at meetings or to cover publication costs.
History
Dr. Richard Lincoln Turner, Ph., served the Florida Institute of Technology for 41 years. He was hired in 1976 when Florida Tech was just beginning to build its reputation as a research university. He was an outstanding professor and his research and service helped the university to advance more and more. For example, he contributed new insights into the biology of starfish, brittle stars, and related animals.
During his time at Florida Tech, he published different times in scientific journals, coauthored an undergraduate textbook on marine biology, and was very active in the Florida Academy of Sciences, serving as president, treasurer, and editor of The Florida Scientist. Additionally, he was the director of undergraduate programs for biological sciences and was a major contributor to the university’s SACS-accreditation effort.
His achievements and years of service were awarded the Florida Academy of Sciences 2018 Medal. The academy awards one medal every year to a Florida resident who has “contributed in an outstanding manner to the promotion of scientific research, to the stimulation of interest in the sciences, or to the diffusion of scientific knowledge.”
Dr. Turner retired at the end of the spring semester in 2017 and was named professor emeritus. However, his impact on students' lives and in his field has been honored with the “Richard Lincoln Turner Endowed Research Fund in Biological Sciences”, established by his friends and family members. “I am delighted that Dick’s impact will continue to be felt forever at Florida Tech as this fund supports generations of student research,” said Dwayne McCay, President of Florida Tech.
