Jim Turk

Jim Turk (he/him) holds a Master's degree in Biotechnology and has a wealth of knowledge in the field. He has also applied his expertise as the former Director of Biosafety at UW-Madison. In addition to his professional background, Jim is a musician and former drum teacher. He has used his musical skills to lead drum circles for assisted living and memory care facilities, bringing joy and connection to people of all abilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jim started the "twelve o'clock shakedown," a daily music and movement program on Facebook and Zoom. Although he has since stopped hosting the program, others have taken up the mantle and continue to offer it to the community. Jim is also an active member of the Wisconsin Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, serving as the Chair of the Government Relations Advisory Committee and the Walk MS Madison event. He was named the Wisconsin MS Society Activist of the Year in 2019. In addition to his role as a grant reviewer for the MS Society, Jim is also a member of the disability vote coalition and a frequent speaker, writer, and interviewee on issues affecting those with disabilities. As a drum circle facilitator for AFA and assisted living and memory care facilities, Jim uses his musical talents to bring joy and connection to people of all abilities. He is also a writer and advocate for positivity and its relationship to health and productivity.