He received his PhD from the School of Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. Dr. Okpych has a master’s degree in biostatistics and epidemiology through the Department of Health Studies at the University of Chicago. He also holds a master's degree in clinical psychology from Duquesne University and a master's degree in social work from Rutgers University. Dr. Okpych's professional experience includes providing mental health services to youth with emotional disturbances in residential, school, and community settings, as well as working for several years in college residence life. These two areas of professional experience inform his research on understanding and promoting college persistence among foster care youth.