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Staff

Neval Erturk, PHD

Executive Director for Research, Global, and Innovation Initiatives

Bio

Dr. Neval Erturk serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Research, Global, and Innovation Initiatives at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM). The newly established Center oversees a broad portfolio of programs that advance GSSM’s mission through inquiry, global engagement, and interdisciplinary learning. Under her leadership, the Center encompasses the Office of Research and Inquiry, the Office of Academic Teams and Competitions, the Hydroponics Research Lab, Global Learning Initiatives, academic-year enrichment, faculty instructional innovation, and external academic partnerships.

She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Virginia Tech and both a B.S. and M.S. in Biology (Genetics) from Hacettepe University. Before joining GSSM, she served as Associate Provost for Research and Engagement at Converse University, where she was also Professor of Biology, Department Chair, and Director of Research and STEM Outreach.

Dr. Erturk has received multiple honors for teaching, research, and service, including the SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award and the National Role Model Award for Minority Students. Her academic work focuses on drug and chemical toxicology and she has served as Principal Investigator on several federally funded grants supporting student research and STEM education across South Carolina.

Educational Background

  • PhD, Biology—Molecular and Cellular Biology​, Virginia Tech
  • MS, Biology—Genetics​, Hacettepe University
  • BS, Biology, Hacettepe University

Awards and Distinctions

  • Dr. Jeffrey H. Barker Faculty Excellence Award, Converse University
  • O’Herron Faculty Excellence Award, Converse University
  • Ibrahim Janajreh Young Innovator Award, InnoVision South Carolina
  • Minority Access, Inc. National Role Model for Faculty Research, Minority Access Incorporated, Washington D.C.
  • Curriculum Innovation Award, Converse College
  • Scholarly and Creative Achievement Award, Converse College
  • Student Service: Above and Beyond Award, Converse College
  • Plaque of Recognition for Supporting the Research and Scholarly Efforts in the Upstate of South Carolina, The South Carolina Upstate Research Symposium
  • Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in the Support and Development of Talent and Research in the State of South Carolina, South Carolina Academy of Science
  • Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science Outreach Nominee
  • Excellence in Teaching Award, South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
  • Earthwatch Educator Fellowship, Raymond Cash Foundation
  • Higher Education Council Fellowship of Turkey

Fun Facts

  • Dr. Erturk was a participant in a global medical trial for smart knee implants. Her knee records her metrics and sends real-time data to her and her health care professionals about her progress.

Joined GSSM in 2024

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