Helen Turner
Chaminade University’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Helen Turner, has been named the school’s first Vice President for Innovation.
“Creating this new leadership role reflects Chaminade’s growth trajectory and commitment to providing cutting-edge academic and research programs that benefit our students, faculty and all the populations we serve,” said university president Lynn Babington in announcing the appointment Aug. 23.
Turner, an internationally-regarded cellular immunology researcher, will keep her responsibilities as natural sciences dean.
Chaminade Board of Regents chairman Vaughn Vasconcellos called Dr. Turner well qualified for the new position.
“Dr. Turner has a proven track record of innovation,” Vasconcellos said in a news release. “Along with representing the campus on numerous scientific advisory boards, she attracted grants and developed programs that placed Chaminade on the map for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. She also helps students gain admission to prestigious graduate and health professional programs nationwide.”
A biology professor, Turner conducts immunology research on pathologies such as asthma and eczema. She receives funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Defense, as well as private foundations.
Turner recently obtained a $1 million STEM education grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She also developed the $9.6 million Ho‘oulu STEM Scholarship program with Kamehameha Schools.
Before joining Chaminade in 2007, Turner was an associate director at The Queen’s Center for Biomedical Research in Honolulu.
She earned her doctorate at the University of London and performed post-doctoral work at Beth Israel Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.
