Michelle Hodara is pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.  She holds a M.A. in Economics and Education from Teachers College and a B.A. in Economics-Political Science from Columbia University.

Her research interests include K-12 public school reform and policies and practices that improve student retention at community colleges and stem from her experiences as an educator.  Prior to attending Teachers College, Michelle joined Teach For America and was a Special Education teacher on the Zuni Pueblo Indian reservation. She then taught developmental education courses at University of New Mexico in Gallup, New Mexico.