Polina Durneva, PhD
About Me
Originally from Moscow, Russia, I came to the United States in 2013 as part of the highly competitive Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), a transformative experience that shaped my interest in cross-cultural learning, innovation, and education - values that continue to guide my academic and professional journey.
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In 2018, I completed my BA in Business Analytics at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where I first discovered my passion for research and teaching. That passion led me directly into a PhD program in Information Systems and Business Analytics at Florida International University, which I completed in 2023. Following my doctorate, I joined the University of Memphis as an Assistant Professor in Management Information Systems.
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My research focuses on three core areas: consumer health informatics, AI in healthcare, and health IT management. I apply mixed methods to explore how digital tools can support self-management, enhance patient care, and promote positive health outcomes. I’ve also contributed to projects in emerging fields such as virtual reality, blockchain, and management education. My work has been presented at leading national and international conferences and published in top journals across the fields of health informatics and information systems.
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In addition to research, I am deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. I’ve taught undergraduate and graduate courses such as Business Statistics, Business Machine Learning, and Web Analytics, and I’ve developed online learning content for platforms like Highbrow. My teaching is also informed by industry experiences at OGx Consulting, Pfizer, Teacher Created Materials, and other organizations, which help me connect theory to real-world applications.
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Outside of academia, I enjoy practicing yoga and pilates, cycling, traveling, reading, and spending time on creative hobbies such as painting and drawing.
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You can learn more about my research streams below.