Learn more about Karen Durany, Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Communication Disorders and Sciences, through our Faculty Spotlight series.
Hometown: Littleton, CO, which is located south of Denver. I grew up there with my mother and sister and was lucky to have my grandparents close by. No matter how long I am away, it will always be home.
Describe your field of study in 1-2 sentences: I am a speech language pathologist by training with emphasis working with adults with neurological conditions. I have worn multiple hats over the years, and in the past have worked on research in brain injury prevention and advocacy training for families, was the academic advisor for Communication Disorders and Sciences undergraduates for years, and I have been teaching at the UO since my doctoral program in the late 90s. It is my privilege to train and support both undergraduate and graduate students in the CDS program.
Favorite Book or Movie: I have no idea how to pick just one book! My favorite book growing up was Mistress Masham’s Repose by T.H. White. I’m currently immersed in a wonderful summer read, Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden, by Camille T. Dungy. For movies, A Room With a View has long been a favorite and I used to have a cat named after one of the characters.
Hobbies: Reading, seed starting and gardening, spending time with my dog (a tall, Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd mix named Kalika), and watching women’s basketball are all favorites!
What brought you to the University of Oregon?
I came here for my master’s program, stayed for my doctoral program (thank you Dr. McKay Sohlberg!), and I’m still here! Originally, I was drawn to the quality of the master’s program and the beauty of the Willamette Valley, as leaving Colorado would have been harder if I didn’t find another beautiful place.
Why did you feel drawn to your field of study?
For me, I was drawn to CDS due to merging interests in language, neuroscience, and the social aspects of disability. I completed my undergraduate at the University of Colorado, Boulder and there I was able to observe a number of clients with acquired neurological conditions impacting cognition and communication, and I knew I’d found my niche.
How do you hope your work makes an impact? Why do you think it’s important?
One primary goal for my work is to make sure that students are prepared for the next step—whether that be for clinical work for my graduate students or getting ready for the next step in their education for the undergraduate students. I hope that I encourage all students and particularly support those from underrepresented backgrounds, as this field needs to do better to meet the challenges of the diverse populations we serve. If students feel confident in their skills and knowledge, able to succeed in the future, and encouraged along the way, then I’ve done my job.
What message would you like to share with students considering coming to the College of Education?
There is always lots on information on what the College of Education offers on our website, but the qualities that make us unique relate to the people themselves. The faculty doing amazing work, the caring staff who help with absolutely everything, and the administration all work together to provide exceptional training for the students. And the amazing students themselves—committed, engaged, and working so hard to become agents for change. I’m sure in other programs as well, but in CDS the students form lasting ties to the members of their cohorts and this sense of community is essential to the wellbeing of students as they work through their programs.
What do you love about living in Oregon?
The proximity to both mountains and the ocean is a fabulous feature of living in the the Willamette Valley. While the mountains are very different than the Rocky Mountains I grew up with, they are beautiful, and the Cascade Lakes region is one of my favorite places to camp and hike. I also appreciate living in a state that is rated the highest in voter access, and here in Eugene/Springfield there are so many people committed to helping other people and the planet. And one more bonus: since the first year I moved here, I’ve been utterly enchanted by the grass that stays green in winter!