Turner Earns UA CHES Scholarly Research Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s College of Human Environmental Sciences has selected Dr. Lori Turner as the 2016 recipient of the HES Leadership Board Excellence in Scholarly Research Award.

The award is presented annually to a member in the College who demonstrates research or scholarly excellence.

During her 19-year research career, Turner has published more than 100 manuscripts, at least five book chapters, eight editions of a student study guide and approximately 20 instructional manuals. She has presented at more than 140 national conferences as either the primary presenter or collaborator, and her research articles have been cited more than 750 times. She has also served as the chair of a dozen or more doctoral committees.

Her research focuses on osteoporosis prevention, particularly the prevention of low bone density among college students. She has mentored many doctoral students and coordinates UA’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Conference for the College.

After earning a doctorate from The University of Alabama in 1997, Turner accepted a position with the University of Arkansas and was promoted to the position of associate professor in 2002. She returned to the Capstone in 2006 and accepted her current position of tenured professor.

Turner’s 2001 publication in Journal of Women and Aging titled “Influence of Yard Work and Weight Training on Bone Mineral Density Among Older U.S. Women” was tremendously successful, and her overall work led to her selection as “Outstanding Researcher” in the department of health, human performance and recreation at the University of Arkansas in both the 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 academic years.

Turner attained her bachelor’s degree in 1980 from Florida State University and went on to get her master’s in dietetics and nutrition from Florida International University in 1983. She then returned to FSU, where she earned a master’s in health education before attending The University of Alabama.