Dr Masha Mikola

Masha is a Teaching Focused Academic in Social Work at Victoria University’s First Year College. She brings over 15 years of experience across academic, community, and policy settings, with a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and student-centred learning.

Masha’s teaching is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practice. She teaches across social work and interdisciplinary first-year subjects in Victoria University’s Block Model, supporting students to build confidence, critical thinking skills, and a strong sense of professional identity. Her approach emphasises connection, reflective practice, and linking theory to real-world contexts.

Alongside her teaching, Masha has extensive research and policy experience in areas including childhood trauma, youth justice, disability, migration and displacement, and young people’s health and wellbeing. She has worked closely with government, non-profit, and community organisations on national projects focused on practice improvement, evaluation, and systemic change.

Masha holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies and a Master of Social Work. She is passionate about widening participation in higher education and supporting diverse students to thrive academically and personally.