Jeff Turk

Jeff Turk is a Professor at the University of North Georgia, affiliated with the Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis. He serves as the Dean and IESA Academic Advisor and has held the position of IESA Director since 2013. Dr. Turk’s expertise spans Environmental Systems Engineering, Systems Science, and Engineering Education, with a focus on integrating geospatial technologies into ecological and educational frameworks.

• Education: Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering (University of Georgia), M.E. in Mechanical Engineering (Florida Atlantic University), B.S. in Ocean Engineering (Florida Atlantic University), A.A. in Business Administration, and A.S. in Geology (Gainesville State College).
• Courses Taught: ENGR 1101, ENGR 1770, ENGR 2001, ENGR 3301, ENGR 3340K, ENVE 1103, ENVE 2771K, ESCI 1101, ESCI 3001K, GEOL 1121K/1122K, PHYS 1101-1112/L, and SCTS 1502.

Dr. Turk’s research centers on systems science and the design and management of environmental systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ecological and engineering challenges. His publications highlight applications of ArcGIS Online, Gigapan©, and virtual field guides in geoscience education and spatial analysis. Recent manuscripts explore multiperspective causality in systems and exponential environmental dynamics.

Dr. Turk’s work experience includes founding the Gainesville engineering program in 1988, serving as Physics Lab Coordinator (1997), and leading the Lewis F. Rogers Institute as Director (2013–present). He also contributed to hazardous waste management and GEOPAths Grant initiatives, fostering student engagement in geosciences.