Erica Durian

Professional Bio

I am a Writing Instructor and an Ambassador for Human Intelligence.

Please read below to learn about my background and interests.

A Little about Me

I’m Professor Erica Durian, and I’m originally from Columbus, Ohio. I currently live in State College with my husband, David, and our two children, Trennen and Mavis.

My Teaching Background and Education

I've been teaching writing since 2004 and have experience as an instructor and private tutor from primary school to college level, in four states (Ohio, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania). During my time at Pennsylvania State University, where I am currently employed as a Lecturer, I have primarily taught Business Writing, both at University Park and for the World Campus.

With a Master’s in English Literature and Rhetoric/Composition from Northern Illinois University, I can teach any undergraduate English course. My Bachelor’s in Linguistics from the Ohio State University complements this by allowing me to better understand and teach students from different linguistic backgrounds, including multilingual students.

My Academic Interests

I enjoy working with students of all backgrounds and abilities to help them improve their writing, reading, thinking, research, collaboration, and communication skills. My number one goal as a professor is to supply my students with useful, practical information and transferable knowledge and skills that will serve them not just at the university but also in their careers.

Thus, effective pedagogy and teaching practices are very important to me. I participate in faculty development through the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence and World Campus Faculty Development all year long. Continuous improvement allows me to serve my students as best as possible and to practice what I teach my students: that we can always learn something new, apply it, and write better.

Among my certifications and participations, a few that I value most are completing Schreyer’s Targeted Teaching Transformation (T3) Program and Teaching for Universal Design Learning (UDL), earning a provost endorsement for Inclusive and Equitable Teaching, and achieving the status of “Lion Leader” in the provost-endorsed Teaching Online Program (TOP). I'm also IRB-certified through the CITI Program in Social Sciences Research.

My Personal Interests

My personal interests are textile arts, fitness and human nutrition, and fashion. I love to knit, crochet, and make oya (Turkish needle lace). I’ve been practicing yoga and Pilates since 2001 and also enjoy stationary cycling, walking outdoors, and kettlebells. Healthy food is also important to me; I prepare all of my family’s meals from scratch.

Closing Thought

When I was a student, my biggest goals were to become a professor and a mother. So now, I strive to do my best at both. I think it’s vital to follow your dreams and do what you want to do with your life, even if others oppose you.