Kelly Duran is an assistant teaching professor at the School of Public Policy. She earned her PhD in Urban Affairs and Public Policy with a specialization in health policy from the University of Delaware, where her research examined state-level opioid prescribing policies. She also holds a bachelor of arts and master of arts in psychology from the University of Delaware, where she focused on social neuroscience, bias, and stereotyping.

Duran’s policy experience includes work with the Delaware Health and Social Services, where she conducted statistical analysis of state medical claims to identify opioid-related trends and policy implications. In this role, she informed policy development and communication strategies for the general public and clinical practitioners.

Her analysis work also includes experience working to bring existing systems into alignment. With the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, she conducted statutory and regulatory reviews across land use, coastal management, wetlands, resource extraction, fisheries, and environmental preparedness, in each case identifying where state law, federal requirements, and internal policy diverged.

In addition to her role as assistant teaching professor, she serves as the faculty mentor for the Penn State School of Public Policy Student Journal.