Dr. Zamira Hyseni Duraku, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina" in Kosovo, successfully completed her one-year academic engagement as a visiting professor at the University of Iowa.
During her tenure, Hyseni Duraku focused her research on the pivotal role of higher education institutions in enhancing the mental health of students, with a specific emphasis on the services provided by university counseling centers. Additionally, she explored the barriers faced by Kosovar youth and students in seeking psychological support and gathered their perspectives on the significance of mental health services within the university context.
Collaborating with mental health professionals from the University of Iowa University Counseling Service (UCS), Hyseni Duraku made substantial advancements in the range and quality of support services available to students in the Department of Psychology at the University of Prishtina. She developed and adapted skills-based workshop manuals that address study skills, emotional coping, and anxiety management, which are now being implemented by Kosovar psychologists and volunteers. These professionals received comprehensive training from Kyle Votroubek, former staff therapist at UCS, ensuring the effective delivery of these workshops. Furthermore, Heidi Schmitt from the UCS provided training in facilitation skills for the support group leaders involved in the implementation of the support group program at the University of Prishtina's Department of Psychology.
Hyseni Duraku also collaborated with UCS staff to raise awareness of mental health among youth and students in Kosovo. Additional webinars led by UCS Clinical Director, Dr. Holly Davis, and Outreach Director, Dr. Kelly M. Clougher, shed light on the stigma associated with mental health treatment and the pivotal role of mental health outreach programs.
Expressing her gratitude, Hyseni Duraku acknowledged the professional and scientific support she received from the mental health professionals and faculty members at the University of Iowa. She extended her special appreciation to Dr. Holly Davis, associate director and director of Clinical Services at the UCS, and Dr. Barry Schreier, professor of counseling psychology and director of the Higher Education Program at the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, for their invaluable support on her research.
“Collaborating with Associate Professor Hyseni Duraku has been meaningful and rewarding," said Davis. "Harnessing experience and lessons learned from college mental health programming in the United States and navigating how it applies to the development of mental health support options at the University of Prishtina in Kosovo exemplifies the value of global collaboration. This early work by Associate Professor Hyseni Duraku has strengthened our own understanding of mental health resources and mental health stigma in Kosovo and culturally similar countries, and simultaneously allows us to support her efforts in building resources for university students in Kosovo and beyond.”
Inspired by the University of Iowa's exemplary model for enhancing student learning and well-being, Hyseni Duraku emphasized the need to establish comparable university counseling services and adopt a holistic approach to students' well-being in Kosovo, as it would contribute to the overall advancement of educational quality and student well-being. She is confident the collaboration between the University of Iowa and the University of Prishtina will continue to develop mental health services and support for Kosovar university students while fostering global collaboration.
“Associate Professor Hyseni Duraku conducted an impressive amount of original research during her stay in Iowa,” said Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs at the University of Iowa. “The collaborations she established with University Counseling Service will lead to theoretical and applied innovations in the field of student mental health at both Iowa and the University of Prishtina.”
The findings from the data she collected, along with practical implications for relevant education and health stakeholders, are now in the form of a scientific article that is expected to be published soon. In addition to carrying out her research, Hyseni Duraku has spent considerable time improving student support services in the Department of Psychology at the University of Prishtina by overseeing the implementation of the support program and by creating opportunities for improving the professional skills of young psychologists engaged in the implementation of those services. Hyseni Duraku’s aim in undertaking those activities is to improve mental health services in Kosovar institutions of higher education by building strong research collaborations in the United States that will lead to further partnership projects.
Notes on Dr. Zamira Hyseni Duraku
Associate Professor Dr. Hyseni Duraku is a highly accomplished researcher with a particular focus on exploring the influence of educational institutions on students' mental health. Her extensive body of work includes the publication of numerous research papers in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals, as well as the authorship of two books and two monographs. Notably, her book titled "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Education and Wellbeing: Implications for Practice and Lessons for the Future" has garnered significant attention and acclaim. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of scientific research, she was honored by the University of Prishtina in 2022. Dr. Hyseni Duraku has also played a pivotal role in directing various research projects dedicated to improving student well-being. Additionally, she served as the Department Head of Psychology at the University of Prishtina. During her two-year tenure she initiated and led a wide range of initiatives to enhance academic programs and provide comprehensive student support.
For more information about Associate Professor Hyseni Duraku's research, please visit her ResearchGate profile. To learn more about the University of Iowa University Counseling Service, please visit the UCS website.
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