Dr. Durnell is a media psychologist with expertise in various areas of business, technology, and graduate level education. Her focus lies in taking a comprehensive approach to leverage the combination of scalable technology, cognitive behavioral sciences, research rigor and inclusive collaboration with multiple disciplines to understand and achieve profound systemic and behavioral change. She analyzes and teaches the impact of technology on human behavior and social change, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI), computer-based learning, virtual reality (VR), and ethics within the technology, healthcare, and business ecosystems.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Durnell has worked at prominent technology companies such as Apple, Xerox, and IBM, as well as start-up technology firms and non-profit organizations in Silicon Valley. Her involvement with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Roster of Experts allowed her to contribute to strategic approaches in digital health, including areas for intervention, governance, and the adoption of digital health solutions.

At Johns Hopkins University, she holds a joint appointment at the School of Medicine, a deputy director at NeuroTech Harbor, an assistant research scientist at the Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design at the Whiting School of Engineering, and at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, she teaches courses on consumer behavior, and business leadership and was awarded a research grant for VR Use in the Classroom. Her research focuses on studying Virtual Reality (VR) and has presented her work at prestigious events such as Stanford's Innovations in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Harvard Medical School's VR and Healthcare Symposium.

Dr. Durnell's expertise extends to consulting work with Applied Physics Lab (APL) and government entities like the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), and the Joint Staff. Her role involves assessing cognitive options to disrupt and counter operational capabilities of groups like ISIL, the area of mis/dis-information as well as training Psychological Operations (PO) operators.

As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Durnell has presented at various conferences and events, including Amazon Lab 126, United Nations, technology conferences like AWE, and psychology conferences such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA). Her lectures cover topics related to inclusive business ecosystems, ethics, virtual reality, the neuroscience of immersive technology and consumer behavior, and how technology influences human behavior.