Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Melanie Turk joined the School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor in August 2009. Her research interests include health promotion, weight loss, and weight loss maintenance with a focus on vulnerable populations. Dr. Turk received her BSN from Duquesne University and her MSN and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Turk's grant funding from the Aetna Foundation for "Wise Choices: Healthy Eating and Exercise for Older Adults" was a multi-site research project promoting healthy lifestyle changes in six ethnically-diverse communities of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on reducing health disparities and promoting health through weight management. She has also conducted qualitative research to learn about the perceptions and practices of Nigerian immigrants regarding healthy eating and activity in the U.S. She has numerous published manuscripts, abstracts, and book chapters, and she serves as a peer reviewer for several scholarly journals and conferences.

Dr. Turk has clinical experience in neurosurgery, trauma, and urology. She currently teaches in the MSN, DNP and PhD programs. In her work with doctoral students, Dr. Turk has led global studies programs for DNP and PhD students in Rome, Italy and Dublin, Ireland.

Education

PhD, Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 2008
MSN, Nursing Research, University of Pittsburgh, 2008
BSN, Nursing, Duquesne University, 1995

Expertise

  • Behavioral treatment of obesity
  • Weight loss and maintenance
  • Behavior change for health promotion among vulnerable populations

School

About

Grants Awarded

Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 3/1/2014-2/28/2015
Type: Extramural Grant
Agency: Aetna Foundation
Title: Wise Choices: Nutrition and Physical Activity for Older Adults
Amount: $35,000

Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 5/1/2013-4/30/2015
Type: Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund
Agency: Duquesne University Office of Research
Title: Exploring African Immigrants' Perceptions and Practices Around Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Through Photovoice
Amount: total award: $9,939

Role: Principal Investigator
Period: 7/1/2010-7/1/2011
Type: Intramural Grant
Agency: Center for Nursing Research, Duquesne University School of Nursing Faculty     Development Grant
Title: Exploring the Correlates and Experiences of Weight Loss Maintenance
Amount:  total award: $4,999

Peer-reviewed Publications- Last 5 Years
(* = based on empirical data)

Fisher-Grace, K., Turk, M.T., Anthony, M., Chia, R. (in press). Use of personal health records to support diabetes self-management: An integrative review. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing.

Tremblay, B., Turk, M., Cooper, M., Zoucha, R. (2020). Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of young adults about electronic nicotine delivery systems in the United States: An integrative review. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, epub ahead of print, doi: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000731

Confiac, N., Turk, M., Zoucha, R. & McFarland, M. (2019). Mexican American parental knowledge and perceptions of childhood obesity: An integrative review. Hispanic Health Care International, 18(2), 105-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540415319873400

Turk, M.T., Kalarchian, M.A., Nolfi, D.A., Fapohunda, A. (2019). Prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity among African immigrant populations: A systematic review of the literature. Annual Review of Nursing Research, 37, 161-186. doi: 10.1891/0739-6686.37.1.161

*Turk, M.T. & Colbert, A.M. (2018). Using simulation to help beginning nursing students learn about the experience of poverty: A descriptive study. Nurse Education Today, 71, 174-179. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2018.09.035

*Rapchak, M., Nolfi, D.A., Turk, M.T., Marra, L., & O'Neil, C.K. (2018). Implementing an interprofessional information literacy course: Impact on student learning and attitudes. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106(4), doi: dx.doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2018.455

Payne, J., Turk, M.T., Kalarchian, M.A., Pellegrini, C. (2018). Defining adherence to dietary self-monitoring using a mobile app: A narrative review. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 118(11), 2094-2119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2018.05.011

*Jakub, K.K., Turk, M.T., Fapohunda, A., Zoucha, R. (2018). Cultural beliefs, perceptions, and practices of young adult offspring of African immigrants regarding healthy eating and activity. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 29(6), 548-554. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659618761532

Ea, E.E., Colbert, A., Turk, M., Dickson, V. (2018). An overview of hypertension among Filipino immigrants in the United States: Implications for research, practice, and health policy. Journal of Nursing Practice Applications & Reviews of Research, 8(1), p. 35-43. https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2018.0801.0806

*Ea, E.E., Colbert, A.C., Turk, M., Dickson, V. (2018). Self-care among Filipinos in the United States who have hypertension. Applied Nursing Research, 39, 71-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2017.11.002

Kiraly, C., Turk, M.T., Kalarchian, M.A., Shaffer, C. (2017). Applying ecological frameworks in obesity intervention studies in Hispanic/Latino youth: A systematic review. Hispanic Health Care International, 15(3), 130-142. doi: 10.1177/1540415317731069

Burke, L. E., & Turk, M.T. (2017). Addressing a major health problem from an array of perspectives. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 39(8), 987-990. doi:10.1177/0193945917709733

*Page-Cutrara, K. & Turk, M. (2017). Impact of prebriefing on nursing students' competency performance, clinical judgment and experience in simulation: An experimental study. Nurse Education Today. 48, 78-83. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2016.09.012.

*Choo, J., Kim, H-J., Turk, M.T., Kim, E-K., Yang, K-S. (2016). Ecological factors associated with behavior problems in vulnerable children. Japan Journal of Nursing Science. Epub ahead of print, October 21, 2016. doi: 10.1111/jjns.12148.

*Turk, M.T., Elci, O.U., Resick, L.K., Kalarchian, M.A. (2016). Wise Choices: Nutrition and Exercise for older adults-A community-based health promotion intervention. Family & Community Health, 39(4), 263-272. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000116

*Chmil, J.V., Turk, M., Adamson, K., Larew, C. (2015). Effects of an experiential learning simulation design on clinical nursing judgment development. Nurse Educator, 40(5), 228-232. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000000159.

*Choo, J., Turk, M.T., Jae, S-Y., Choo, I.H. (2015). Factors associated with health-related quality of life among overweight and obese Korean women. Women & Health, 55(2), 152-166. doi: 10.1080/03630242.2014.979966

Book Chapters - Last 5 Years

Dreher, H.M., Glasgow, M.E.S., Lachman, V.D., Zoucha, R., Turk, M.T., Oldfield, S., Gifford-Hollingsworth, C., & Molloy, M. (2017). Enhancing the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree with a Mandatory Study-Abroad Experience. In M.E.S. Glasgow & H.M. Dreher (Eds.), DNP Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice (2nd ed.). New York: Springer.

Zoucha, R. & Turk, M. (2015). Using the Culture Care Theory as a guide to develop and implement a transcultural global health course for Doctor of Nursing Practice students for study in Italy. In M. R. McFarland & H. B. Wehbe-Alamah (Eds.), Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory and Ethnonursing Research Method (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett, pp. 521-534.

Scholarly Presentations - Last 5 Years

Turk, M.T. (February, 2020). Ethical Care of the Patient with Obesity Using a Values-Based Framework. (Competitive Review). Poster presentation at the 2020 Carol Carfang Nursing & Healthcare Ethics Conference, Clearwater, FL.

Stein, K., Turk, M.T., Micho, M., Smith, M., Tobin, L., Harpel, C. (February, 2020). Intimate Partner Violence Program for Nurses. (Competitive Review). Podium presentation at the 2020 Carol Carfang Nursing & Healthcare Ethics Conference, Clearwater, FL.

Payne, J., Turk, M., Pellegrini, C., Kalarchian, M. (March, 2020). Dietary Self-monitoring Using An App: Are Frequency, Consistency And Completeness Related To Weight Loss? (Competitive Review). Poster presentation at the American Heart Association Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

Kallmerten, P., Chia, R., Turk, M., Jakub, K. (March, 2020). Patient Portal Use by Adults with Heart Failure: An Integrative Review. (Competitive Review). Poster presentation at the 32nd Annual Eastern Nursing Research Society Scientific Sessions, Boston, MA.

Zoucha, R. Turk, M.T. (June, 2019). Toward a Culturally Competent Curriculum for Doctor of Nursing Practice Students via Global Studies. (Competitive Review). Podium presentation at the 6th conference of the European Transcultural Nursing Association in České Budějovice, Czech Republic.

Zoucha, R., Turk, M., Fapohunda, A. (June, 2018). Using photovoice to explore Nigerian immigrants' eating and physical activity in the United States. At the 4th International Knowledge Exchange, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, Health Science Building, University College Dublin. Dublin, Ireland.

Jakub, K., Turk, M., Fapohunda, A., Zoucha, R. (October, 2017). Cultural beliefs, perceptions and practices of young adult offspring of African immigrants regarding healthy eating and activity (Competitive Review). Poster presented at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Transcultural Nursing Society, New Orleans, LA.

Zoucha, R. & Turk, M.T. (June, 2017). The utility of photovoice as a novel methodology with immigrant and refugee communities (Competitive Review). Poster presented at the 5th Conference of the European Transcultural Nursing Association, Odense, Denmark.

Zoucha, R. & Turk, M.T. (April, 2017). Promoting global perspectives of nursing and health care through study abroad for Doctor of Nursing Practice students. (Competitive Review). Poster presented at the 3rd International Conference on Developments in Doctoral Education & Training, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom.

Turk, M.T., Zoucha, R., Kalarchian, M., Sekula, L.K. (January, 2017). Curricular innovation: Required international experience for PhD students. (Competitive Review). Paper presented at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Doctoral Conference, San Diego, CA.

Zoucha, R. & Turk, M.T. (January, 2017). Promoting global perspectives of nursing and health care through study abroad for DNP students. (Competitive Review). Poster presented at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Doctoral Conference, San Diego, CA.

Turk, M.T. & Kalarchian, M.A. (April, 2016). Wise Choices: A community-based wellness intervention for older adults. (Competitive Review). Poster presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicine Conference, Washington, DC.

Fapohunda, A., Turk, M., Jakub, K., Zoucha, R. (November, 2015). Cultural beliefs, perceptions and practices of young adult offspring of African immigrants regarding healthy eating and activity. (Competitive Review). Poster presented at the American Public Health Association 143nd Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Nolfi, D. A., Rapchak, M., Marra, L., O'Neil, C., & Turk, M. (May, 2015). Interprofessional information literacy education for nursing, allied health and pharmacy freshmen. (Competitive Review). Podium presentation at the annual meeting of the Medical Library Association, Austin, TX.

2016- 2017   Duquesne University Gaultier Teaching Fellow

April 2016   Duquesne University Creative Teaching Award

June 2015   Finalist, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Faculty Scholars Program

April 2007   Sigma Theta Tau, Ruth Perkins Kuehn Research Award

May 1995   Summa Cum Laude, Duquesne University