Professor of biology & neuroscience and the academic director of the Prisma Health Partnership at Furman University
Victoria Turgeon graduated in 1993 and went on to pursue a PhD in neurobiology and anatomy at Wake Forest University, where she focused on neuronal development and degeneration.
She received her PhD in 1998 along with the Norman Sulkin Award for Excellence in Neuroscience and was immediately hired at Furman University.
Several experiences at the College influenced her decision to go into education, including an organic chemistry class with professor Ann Fabirkiewicz.
“For me, it was getting those one-on-one experiences with faculty,” said Turgeon, who is now a professor of biology and neuroscience and the academic director of the Prisma Health Partnership at Furman University. “My biggest reward and responsibility is our students, and everything I do is to create more opportunities for them.”
During her time at Furman, her lab has been funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the South Carolina Spinal Cord Research Fund.
Turgeon has also received numerous accolades, including the Henry and Ellen Townes Associate Professorship of Biology, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Distinguished Mentor Award, the Alester G. Furman Jr. and Janie Earle Furman Meritorious Teaching Award, and the South Carolina Independent College and Universities’ Excellence in Teaching Award.
Her most recent professional contributions to Furman include serving as a faculty ombudsman, leading the team that developed Furman’s Master of Science in Community Engaged Medicine, and being appointed as Furman’s academic director of the Prisma Health Partnership.
Turgeon’s work on the National Science Foundation ADVANCE program has led to the development of resources that support the advancement of mid-career women STEM faculty.
She also serves on the board of directors for the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund and Prisma Health’s Medical Experience Academy.
Tags: biology
