“There are many outstanding scholars here at the University of South Alabama,” said Dr. Townsley, “and I’m honored to be recognized.” This award, given by the USA chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, honors a teaching faculty member who embodies the ideals of life-long commitment to scholarly endeavors.
Selected for her extensive research and service to USA, Dr. Townsley received her first research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study pulmonary vascular function research in 1986. Her research pursuits continue to receive funding from NIH, as well as from other public and private agencies. She has published 100 academic articles and served as a mentor to future scientists, including postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate trainees.
Dr. Townsley, an outstanding scholar, also serves as associate dean for faculty affairs in the USA College of Medicine and the director of training programs in the USA Center for Lung Biology. She is the founder of the University Women in Science, a contributor to the Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS) workshop for middle school girls, as well as a recruiter of individuals from minority backgrounds into health professions and research careers.
“I believe that service is an integral part of being both an academician and a professional,” said Dr. Townsley. “Fortunately for me, service has almost always returned more to me than the effort invested, in terms of satisfaction and opportunities for networking.”
