Before entering the education profession, she worked at the EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs in Washington, DC. Mika earned her B.S. in Biology and Entomology from the University of Maryland in 2003 and a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in 2008. She received her National Board Certification in Secondary Science Education in 2012. Mika is an instructor for Duke's MAT Program and serves as a mentor for student teachers and initially licensed teachers. She recently was selected as a North Carolina Teacher Voice Fellow. Mika is an active member of the Durham Association of Eductors, where she advocates for public schools.