New Faces at the Graduate Center: Christopher Oka and Melissa McGee
As a graduate student, it’s reassuring to know the people behind the programs and workshops that guide us through what can often be an intense and nonlinear journey. If you’ve been by the Graduate Center lately, you may have noticed a few new faces.
We are excited to welcome two new team members whose roles focus directly on graduate student success and professional development. I asked each of them a few questions to get to know the people behind the titles and better understand their approach to supporting graduate and professional students.
Christopher Oka, Assistant Professor of Practice, Graduate Student Success
Whether you need a space to vent or someone to celebrate your wins, Christopher Oka is here to help. His role is intentionally flexible, designed to be whatever graduate students need it to be in the moment.
“Do you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to laugh with? Maybe a wall to talk at? I may not have all the answers, but I will do my best to support you in whatever you're coming into my office with.”
Advice that stuck
The best advice Christopher ever received came not from a formal mentor, but from everyday interactions with one of his graduate student supervisees. "She would ask me if I had lunch yet or if I had time to 'touch grass,'" he shares.
While these check-ins felt casual at first, they taught him two vital lessons:
- Productivity requires rest: Taking breaks is not a distraction from your work; it is a condition for it.
- Learning is a two-way street: Even within traditional power dynamics, educators and supervisors can and should learn from their students.
Christopher aims to challenge rigid educator-learner roles by creating shared learning environments where lived experience and knowledge are mutually valued.
A campus tip worth trying
When asked about a campus resource or hidden gem every graduate student should know, Christopher emphasized the importance of changing your scenery to stay productive. “When I was a U of A student, I found that mixing up where I went to study was a great way to stay on track with my schoolwork,” he says.
His recommended rotation included a study room on the third floor of the Main Library, a small table at Scented Leaf on University Boulevard, and the benches along the Mall. He also issued a challenge to current graduate students:
“Have any of you found the unicorn yet? Hint: it's hidden near one of the buildings on the east side of the Mall.”
Where to find him: When he isn't at his desk supporting students, Christopher is likely on a "coffee hunt" or walking the Mall. "The grass is always greener when I'm caffeinated," he jokes.
Melissa McGee, PhD, MPH, Program Coordinator for Professional Development and Alumni Relations
Transitioning from student to professional can feel like a daunting leap, but Melissa McGee is here to bridge that gap. Her work focuses on making professional development feel relevant and accessible.
“The biggest way my role supports graduate students is by helping them recognize, develop, and clearly articulate the professional skills they’re already building through their research, teaching, internships, and coursework.”
Advice she lives by
Melissa’s most influential advice came through observation. From her first supervisor at U of A Campus Health, she learned the value of taking initiative. Rather than waiting for permission or perfection, she learned to let her ideas evolve through action.
“Take thoughtful initiative—don’t be held up waiting for directives, permission, or perfection,” she advises.
Like Christopher, she encourages graduate students to trust their judgment and not let hierarchy or the "fear of getting it wrong" keep us from making progress. In her experience, taking the first steps is what creates the momentum and clarity needed to succeed.
A resource to bookmark
If you are looking for a place to start your professional journey, Melissa recommends exploring the Graduate Center’s updated Professional Development webpage and the Core Professional Competencies Model.
These tools bring workshops, resources, and skill development opportunities into one place, helping students identify and strengthen competencies that matter both within and beyond academia.
“It’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to be intentional about their growth and better articulate skills like communication, leadership, collaboration, and career readiness,” she notes.
Life outside the office: When she is not at her desk, Melissa is often swimming laps, spending time with her family, or walking her dog, Mabel, who is very serious about her morning and evening walks. These simple routines help her reset, recharge, and “reconnect with the people (and pup) I love.”
More Than Just a Building
The Graduate Center isn’t just a building; it’s a group of people who genuinely want to see you thrive. Next time you’re walking the campus (perhaps looking for that unicorn), stop by the Graduate Center and say hi to Christopher, Melissa, or any of the rest of the team. They’ve got the advice, the resources, and the dedication to help you navigate the path all the way to graduation.
Learn more about Melissa, Christopher, and the rest of the Graduate Center team