Garrison Turner teaches introductory physics and astronomy courses at CMU. He emphasizes collaborative group work and problem-solving and helps students connect physics concepts to the broader natural world. Turner is completing a PhD in astrophysics at the University of Louisville, where his research focuses on stellar variability, including binary star systems and stellar pulsation. He is also an avid astrophotographer and serves on the board of the Grand Mesa Observatory.
Turner has 13 years of experience teaching at the collegiate level in settings ranging from community colleges and small private institutions to a major university. As an astronomer, he regularly conducts observations at the Grand Mesa Observatory and, while studying at Ball State University, observed with telescopes on campus and at Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Turner believes students learn physics best when they can connect principles and equations to everyday life. Understanding that the same equations used to describe projectile motion also govern the path of a basketball or football, for instance, can help students connect classroom concepts with their own physical intuition.
Selected Work
2007, Wagner, R. M.; Starrfield, S.; Schwarz, G.; Larson, S.; Kaitchuck, R.; Childers, J.; Turner, G. Comet 17P/Holmes, IAU, 8887, 2W
2008, Turner, G.; Kaitchuck, R. Skiff, B. HD 208238 as a Delta Scuti Variable Star, JAVSO, 36, 156
2011, Turner, G.; Kaitchuck, R. Delta Scuti Behavior Detected in HD 349422, JAVSO, 29, 154
2012, Kaitchuck, R.; Turner, G.; Childers, J. A Search for Exoplanets in Short-Period Binary Star Systems, JASS, 29, 41
2013, Turner, G.; Holaday, J. The Interesting Light Curve and Pulsation Frequencies of KIC 9204718, JAVSO, 41, 34
2014, Turner, G.; Kaitchuck, R.; Holaday, J. New Observations of Close Eclipsing Binary Systems with Delta Scuti Pulsations, JAVSO, 42, 134
2015, Turner, G.; Holaday, J. The Delta Scuti Pulsation Periods in KIC 5197256, JAVSO, 42, 40T
2019, Turner, G. Modeling KIC 10684673 as a Single delta Scuti-type Variable, New Astronomy, 67, 40T