Karen Benzies

Dr. Benzies is a Professor with the Faculty of Nursing, and Adjunct Research Professor with the Department of Pediatrics, at the University of Calgary. She received a PhD from the University of Alberta and completed post-doctoral fellowships at Stockholm University and the University of Ottawa. She leads a program of research in early parent and child relationships with a focus on children at risk for developmental delays, including behavior problems.

Dr. Benzies has published more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 40 technical reports, and two book chapters. She has given 70 invited presentations to community groups and professional organizations, 50 media interviews, and 125 oral and poster presentations at peer-reviewed conferences.

In 2010, she received the Nursing Excellence in Research Award, the highest honor for nurse scientists in Alberta. In June 2012, she received a University of Calgary, “You Make a Difference” award in honor of her contributions to the undergraduate nursing curriculum.  In 2013, she received the Westbury Legacy Award from the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research to recognize her commitment to the academic and professional growth of graduate students and community partners working in the areas of child, family and community research.

Dr. Benzies most satisfying accomplishments come from creating linkages among researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to improve the health and well-being of young children and their families.