Meet Dr. Kristine Turko
I’m a professor, cognitive psychologist, and board-certified behavior analyst with a passion for bridging research and practice in autism education. At the University of Mount Union, I founded the Spectrum Education Center. I am currently the director of the center, where students gain immersive, community-based training in evidence-based practices.
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Whether I’m developing innovative programs, collaborating with local schools, or presenting internationally, my mission is to empower individuals, families, and future professionals through meaningful, strengths-based approaches to learning and advocacy.
My Story
I always loved school, and from a very early age I knew I wanted to go to college. When I entered as a first-year student in 1990, the value of a college degree wasn’t questioned the way it is today. Back then, it was almost a given that graduating meant more opportunities—not just for higher salaries, but also for finding meaningful work.
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Searching for the “right” college was exciting but also overwhelming. I knew I wanted to be in a city, so I visited campuses in New York and Philadelphia. After much debate, I narrowed it down to two schools. Making the final choice wasn’t easy—until one program stood out at Drexel University and sealed the deal for me: the co-op program.
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Think of a co-op like an internship on steroids. Drexel defines it as an opportunity for students to “balance classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience prior to graduation.” The model is simple but powerful: alternate six months of classes with six months of full-time, paid employment at a university-approved employer.
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For me, a first-generation college student, this was exactly what I needed. I was determined to take a practical approach to long-term success, and I saw co-op as my best chance to turn education into real opportunity. What I didn’t anticipate was how much more it would give me.
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My co-op experiences were life-changing. They introduced me to inspiring mentors, exposed me to new ideas, and gave me the chance to “test-drive” careers. I wasn’t fetching coffee—I was contributing to projects that mattered, and my input was respected. Along the way, I learned what I valued in a career (and what I didn’t), which gave me clarity and confidence. By graduation, I had built a network of mentors and supporters who helped me take my next step: graduate school.
Those experiences shaped the work I do today. My passion for experiential learning has led me to develop programs where students gain immersive, community-based training in evidence-based practices. Just like Drexel’s co-op prepared me for the future, I want to ensure my students have real-world experiences that not only guide their career paths but also prepare them to make a meaningful impact in their communities.