Mika is a cognitive science and developmental psychology researcher. Her work leverages diverse methods, including surveys, behavioral experiments, and computational modeling, to design learning environments that promote motivation, curiosity, and well-being for all students.

Prior to Teaching Lab, Mika was a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University, where she conducted research on the social and cognitive mechanisms that shape learning across childhood and adolescence. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford University and a B.A. in Neuroscience from Wellesley College. Her doctoral and postdoctoral work was supported by the National Science Foundation.

Outside of work, Mika enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, exploring new landscapes with her husband, and recently, trying her hand at pottery!