Dr. Richard Turner joined the faculty of Florida Tech in 1976. His postdoctoral studies were done at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (1982-1983). He has served as president of the Florida Academy of Sciences (1985-1986, 2009-2011) and is business manager (1994 to present) of the Florida Scientist, the journal of the Florida Academy of Sciences. He has 34 publications in refereed journals and books. Dr. Turner's research has been focused on the general biology of echinoderms, a group of marine animals that include seastars, sea urchins, and brittlestars. Other research projects include general biology of the Florida applesnail, fossilization of the Atlantic ghost crab, and the role of beachhoppers in processing of beach wrack and in transport of marine mites.