Dr. Popa holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology from University of California at Irvine, a Master Degree in Social Work from California State University of Long Beach, a Master Degree in Public Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from University of Utah. Before Dr. Popa came to Gonzaga University he worked as a research analyst at University of Utah contracting with federal, state, and community programs. This work also provided foundational opportunities to work in grassroots leadership development with refugees from Croatia and Sudan. Prior work included family counseling in the hospital and medical setting at Loma Linda University Medical Center, CA. At Gonzaga University, Dr. Popa teaches in the areas of Organizational Ethics, Research Methods, Leadership and Imagination, and Leadership and Hardiness.