Michelle Oja

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Dr. Michelle Oja (known to students as Dr. MO) is Professor of Psychology at Taft College. She grew up in Washington State, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Ethnic Studies. She began graduate school in Nebraska, then earned her Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology from Claremont Graduate University (in Southern California) with a dissertation investigating intersectional stereotypes. 

While earning her Doctorate, Dr. Oja worked as an adjunct instructor in psychology at a variety of schools, and as a research analyst at two community colleges. 

As a full-time Professor at Taft College, her current focus is on student success. In 2020, she earned a sabbatical and edited an open-licensed textbook for behavioral statistics. She has also been a Faculty Advisor for student groups for sexual minority students (GLBTQIA+) at two different California Community Colleges, and a Faculty Advisor for the Student Research Club at Taft College. 

Dr. Oja loves the outdoors, science fiction, cheese, and her niblings (niece and nephews), as well as her dog.