2012 Assembly of Delegates:
Comprehensive Colleges and Universities Director

Name: Julio Turrens

Present Position: Associate Dean, College of Allied Health Professions
Organization: University of South Alabama

Chapter Affiliation: University of South Alabama

Candidate's Statement: Because of its interdisciplinary nature, Sigma Xi provides an excellent environment for the free exchange of ideas across disciplines. As a member of Sigma Xi, I believe that this exchange among colleagues helps us to learn beyond the narrow scope of our disciplines and stimulates creativity. I am extremely concerned with the decline in membership, which in part results from losing sight of the importance of scientific exchange across disciplines. If elected Director of the Comprehensive Colleges & Universities Constituency, I will use my experience (and the help from other members in the constituency) towards the promotion of interdisciplinary activities among scientists both in our campuses and in the community at large.

Through the Comprehensive Colleges & Universities Constituency we also need to increase Sigma Xi's visibility among young investigators. Among other roles, Sigma Xi could offer mentorship from established scientists.
I would like to increase Sigma Xi's visibility is in the area of undergraduate research, where the future members of Sigma Xi are currently learning their skills as scientists. As councilor and division chair in the Council of Undergraduate Research, I will try to promote Sigma Xi among faculty involved in undergraduate research, as well as among the students who participate in these activities.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities:
1995-96 President-Elect of the University of South Alabama Chapter of Sigma Xi.
1996-97 President of the University of South Alabama Chapter of Sigma Xi.
2006-07 President of the University of South Alabama Chapter of Sigma Xi
2007 Education grant from Sigma Xi to support the Science Olympiad at the University of South Alabama. $1,000
2007 Sigma Xi Multi-Chapter Collaboration:" Science Discussion Series in Alabama". Omar Oyarzabal (PI, Auburn University) and Julio Turrens (Co-PI, University of South Alabama)
2010-11 President of the University of South Alabama Chapter of Sigma Xi
2010- Member of the National Nominations Committee
2010 Committee on Nominations. Comprehensive Colleges
2010- Associate Director Southeast Region (to fill term ending June 30, 2011
2011- Sigma Xi distinguished member
2012 Chair of the nominations committee for president-elect of Sigma Xi

Biographical Information: Dr. Julio F. Turrens received his Doctorate in Chemistry (Biochemistry) from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. His is currently professor of Biomedical Sciences and Associate Dean in the College of Allied Health Professions at the University of South Alabama. He joined Sigma Xi in 1994.

His research has been focused in two areas including free radical metabolism in mammalian cells, and intermediate metabolism of parasitic protozoa. His research resulted in the identification of various intracellular sources of oxidant species. He has developed methods to detect their formation. The second area of interest focuses on the intermediate metabolism of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas' disease in Central and South America. His main contribution in this area was the identification of an enzyme (NADH-fumarate reductase) which isnot found in the mammalian host that may serve as a target against these parasitic diseases.

Dr. Turrens has developed undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas Biochemistry, Bioethics and Responsible Conduct of Research. He is a councilor with the Council on Undergraduate Research and Chair of the At-Large division in the same organization.

Dr. Turrens has published over 100 peer reviewed articles and book chapters and has served in numerous peer review committees at NIH, NSF and AIBS.