Rate My Professor Michael Poulakis

Dr. Michael Poulakis serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences within the School of Psychology at the University of Indianapolis, part of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. He has been teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels since 2005. A three-time alumnus of the University of Indianapolis, Dr. Poulakis earned his B.A. in Psychology and Political Science in 1994, M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 1998, and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2002. Born in Greece, he immigrated to the United States in 1992. In his career, he has held leadership positions including chair of the Department of Psychological and Social Sciences and international coordinator at UIndy’s Athens campus, where he contributed to curriculum development and fostered international academic collaborations. Dr. Poulakis is dedicated to mentoring students, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world applications, and supporting their professional growth through individualized guidance.

Dr. Poulakis's research focuses on multiculturalism and diversity, encompassing South Asian psychology, LGBT issues, interracial relationships, and addictions. He employs qualitative methods such as Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) in his Poulakis Lab, investigating topics like acculturative stress among international students, Islamophobia perceptions among law enforcement, and factors influencing African American undergraduates' decisions to pursue doctoral programs in psychology. Notable peer-reviewed publications include 'Social support and acculturation in Chinese international students' (Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 2014, with Bertram et al.), 'Islamophobia and law enforcement in a post 9/11 world' (Islamophobia Studies Journal, 2015, with Dubosh et al.), 'Acculturative Stress and Adjustment Experiences of Greek International Students' (Journal of International Students, 2017, lead author), and 'African American Students' Perceptions of Influential Factors for Attendance in Doctoral Psychology' (Journal of the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences, 2018, with Vergo et al.). He frequently co-authors with students and presents their joint research at national conferences, enhancing student involvement in scholarly activities. For his contributions, Dr. Poulakis received the PsyD Alumni Award in 2025 from the UIndy Alumni Association and was recognized as a two-time finalist for Teacher of the Year, including a 2025 nomination, praised for his dynamic teaching style, use of humor and visual aids, and commitment to student success.