Michael Christie, Ph.D.

Visiting Instructor, Psychological Sciences

Michael Christie earned his Ph.D. from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand (UoC), where he trained as a biological psychologist. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and classical studies and a master’s degree in psychology. While at UoC he performed research for his master’s degree examining mechanisms to repair brain damage, and research for his doctoral degree testing the hypothesis that there are (discrete) multiple memory systems as opposed to a single, unitary system in the brain. After completing his doctorate Michael relocated to Boston, Massachusetts to work as a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, originally in a Huntington’s Disease lab, and, later in a lab studying sleep and sleep-loss. While in Boston, he began adjunct teaching at several schools and later the University of Hawaii at Hilo. More recently he has been teaching at several community colleges in Oregon. As an educator, recognizing that students are all amateur psychologists, Michael strives to connect students’ lived experiences with the class material. He is delighted to be at UP and is excited about teaching the newest generation of psychologists and psychology-curious students. When not working, Michael loves spending time with his family, DM’ing role-playing games, traveling, and going for long nature walks with their dog.