18 Years of Impact: Dr. Hatice Neval Ertürk
Since joining Converse in 2006, Dr. Hatice Neval Ertürk has maintained her dedication to research while wearing many hats, from an award-winning professor of biology to department chair to Associate Provost for Research and Engagement.
Dr. Ertürk will pursue a new opportunity at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics following Converse University’s 2024 Commencement on May 18. She is excited about the possibilities ahead and plans to stay connected with our faculty and staff through Converse’s summer research and award-winning Model Programs.
A native of Turkey, Dr. Ertürk earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biology from Hacettepe University in Turkey. She then attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, earning her Doctor of Philosophy in Biology with an emphasis on Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics in 1999.
To say Dr. Ertürk is an overachiever is an understatement.
In 2008, Dr. Ertürk received the Excellence in Teaching Award from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) after being nominated according to rigorous guidelines.
In 2010, Dr. Ertürk established Science, Technology, and Research Scholars (STARS) at Converse, inviting high-school-age scientists to work in Converse campus laboratories under the guidance of our faculty.
In 2011, the South Carolina Academy of Science awarded her the Certificate of Recognition for excellence in supporting and developing talent and research in the State.
In 2012, Converse bestowed both the Scholarly and Creative Achievement Award and the Student Service: Above and Beyond Award to Dr. Ertürk.
In 2017, Dr. Ertürk was named the National Role Model for Faculty Research by Minority Access Incorporated in Washington, D.C.
In 2018, InnoVision South Carolina awarded Dr. Ertürk the Ibrahim Janajreh Young Innovator Award for her work on the STARS mentoring program. This award recognizes South Carolina programs that engage, encourage, and acknowledge young people in science, technology, math, and innovation.
In 2021, Converse formally recognized Dr. Ertürk’s exceptional teaching techniques with the O’Herron Faculty Excellence Award. Established by the O’Herron Family Foundation, this award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates remarkable teaching, creativity, mentoring and advising, curriculum development, involvement in student-related activities, and achievement in both scholarly and professional work.
“Dr. Ertürk provides an inspiring example of the ways that scientific thinking can guide institutions of higher learning.”
Converse President Boone J. Hopkins
Even after nearly two decades of accolades, Dr. Ertürk was filled with humility and pride when she was presented with the inaugural Dr. Jeffrey H. Barker Academic Excellence Award at the 2023 Opening Convocation.
During the ceremony, President Hopkins spoke to Dr. Ertürk’s passionate mentorship of students and faculty and the more than two million dollars in grants she has secured for faculty and undergraduate research throughout her time at Converse.
The Dr. Jeffrey H. Barker Academic Excellence Fund was established in remembrance of former and beloved Converse president Dr. Barker and his passion for academic excellence at the University. The award supports Converse faculty who exemplify the teaching and learning relationship by broadening students’ horizons and challenging themselves as educators, mainly through travel and experiential learning experiences.
Dr. Ertürk described Dr. Barker as the quintessential teacher, an accomplished researcher, and a well-respected Provost — but also a dear friend and a mentor. “Dr. Barker believed that scholarly and creative experiences enhanced the classroom experience and provided students with key skills for further education and future careers,” she shared. “He was a champion of faculty-mentored scholarly activity for undergraduate students. His support was instrumental in successfully establishing the Office of Research and Engagement and the RISE Symposium at Converse.”
The RISE (Research, Internship, and ArtS Experiential Learning) Symposium debuted at Converse in 2022 after nearly three years of preparation. Open to all undergraduates, graduates, and Converse II students, the RISE symposium empowers students to share their ideas, discoveries, and artistic work professionally with our campus and local community.
Spearheaded by Dr. Ertürk, participation in the RISE symposium more than doubled in its second year at Converse. The 2024 RISE Symposium saw a record number of students participate, with 106 Converse students submitting 98 unique projects and performances.
Dr. Ertürk said one of her favorite aspects of the symposium is the “intellectual buzz” and the energy during the student presentations. Dr. Ertürk said. “When I receive the final version of the RISE Symposium Booklet, I like to make a cup of coffee and sit down with the book to read it cover to cover to understand each student’s entry. I am proud of their achievements.”
Professor of German Studies, Chair of Humanities and Cultures Dr. Mirko Hall said that his friend and colleague Dr. Ertürk will be sorely missed around campus. “She has always happily stepped up to the plate and done what was in the best interests of Converse and its students”, Dr. Hall said. “She is not only an inspiring teacher-scholar and dependable colleague, but also a wonderful mensh, who exudes compassion and kindness.”
Dr. Ertürk has been a beacon of guidance and inspiration for her students, both in the classroom and outside. She encourages students to question, explore, and think critically about the world around them, key components of Converse’s values.
In this profile story from 2016, Dr. Ertürk said, “I meet students when they are freshmen, and I get to observe them as they grow into mature scientists and sophisticated thinkers.”
Dr. Ertürk has always believed that research complements teaching, and she consistently mentored students on original research projects. She has also served as a mentor to faculty while building relationships with regional institutions and statewide organizations.
Dr. Douglas Jensen, Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the Natural Sciences Department, said that Dr. Ertürk has influenced so many aspects of Converse throughout her time here. “She has shown herself to be an adept instructor, an excellent research mentor, and an important contributor to the Converse community,” he said in this 2010 story about Dr. Ertürk.
Her energy and enthusiasm are bolstered by a deep commitment to high-quality science education at Converse. “Dr. Ertürk is one of the most valuable individuals at Converse,” Dr. Jensen said. “Bringing her here may have been the most important hiring decision the university has made in the past 30 years.”
Dr. Will Case, Associate Provost for Student Success, Director of Sciences & Education, and Nisbet Honors Program co-chair, said one of Dr. Ertürk’s most notable achievements was establishing Converse as a member institution within the South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE).
“None of these opportunities would have been possible without Dr. Ertürk’s strong commitment to creating a research culture at Converse.”
Dr. Will Case
“Converse’s participation in INBRE has transformed the research culture at Converse and has led to substantial funding that supports undergraduate scholarship and infrastructure improvements,” Dr. Case said. “Throughout the past twelve years, our students have participated in numerous summer research experiences funded by SC INBRE, and such experiences have led to local, state, and regional accolades for our students and the institution. None of these opportunities would have been possible without Dr. Ertürk’s strong commitment to creating a research culture at Converse.”
A champion for student research and advocate for creating pathways to STEM careers in South Carolina, Dr. Ertürk promotes equity and access for underrepresented minority students. This was exemplified this year with the introduction of two new categories in the 2024 RISE Symposium.
RISE collaborated with First Generation Student Programs for the inaugural First Generation College Students contest. All full-time, first-generation Converse students had the opportunity to submit original art or original music that expressed the theme of “I am First: Being the First in Your Family to Attend College.” 2024 was also the first year for the Underrepresented Minority (URM) Student Contest. Students were invited to submit original art and original submissions along with an artist or musician statement.
“As a teacher, colleague, and researcher, Dr. Ertürk provides an inspiring example of the ways that scientific thinking can guide institutions of higher learning,” said Converse President Boone Hopkins. “Her passion for supporting faculty colleagues and especially for helping junior colleagues and students develop rich research agendas and receive grant funding has greatly enriched all the STEM disciplines on our campus.”
Known as a challenging and inspiring teacher, Dr. Ertürk has expanded and guided campus research, scholarship, and creativity at Converse University.
However, some may not know about Dr. Ertürk’s artistic side. In 2020, inspired by efforts to protect essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, she used her sewing skills, first to make masks for Converse’s Campus Safety officers, then ultimately she made more than 500 masks for friends, neighbors, the immigrant community, and a local nonprofit, the Hope Center for Children.
Under Dr. Ertürk’s mentorship, Converse students, alumni, and faculty have flourished into an inspiring community of budding scientists and innovators united by their combined passion for exploration and discovery. Her students have presented research at local and regional conferences, and alumni have pursued advanced degrees and careers in biology, chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine.
Yet, beyond professional achievements, Dr. Ertürk’s students will carry with them the legacy of curiosity, perseverance, and wonder that she has imparted, influencing not only their careers but also their lives.