Shelly Fichtenkort

Shelly Fichtenkort
Title:
Professor - Psychology
Department:
Business, Behavioral & Social Science
Office:
Founders Hall 160D
Phone:
209-575-6898
Email:
fichtenkorts@mjc.edu
Office Hours:
Monday, 8:30a.m. - 9:30a.m.
Monday, 11:00a.m. - 12:30p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30a.m. - 9:30a.m.
Wednesday, 11:00a.m. - 12:30p.m.

Biography

About Me 


I began teaching Psychology at MJC in 2000 after completing my Ph.D. at UC San Diego with an emphasis in neuroscience and psychopharmacology. 

My research was conducted at The Scripps Research Institute in the Department of Neuropharmacology where I studied the effects of various drugs on the rat brain and behavior.  The majority of my doctoral research involved studying the neurobiology of nicotine dependence and withdrawal. 

While completing my doctorate, I taught at UC San Diego and Cuyamaca College and figured out that teaching was my passion.  Having grown up in Modesto, it was natural to return and search for a job close to home.  Luckily, I landed this job at MJC and it is a perfect fit! 

I teach online sections of General Psychology (PSYCHOLOGY 101), an introduction to psychology, the study of behavior and mental processing.  My specialty courses are Introduction to Neuroscience (PSYCH 103) and Drugs and Human Behavior (cross-listed as PSYCH 118 / HUMAN SERVICES 118).

I am married and I have 2 kids - a boy and a girl. I enjoy backpacking, skiing, long-distance running, cooking, and live music - I love to attend outdoor music festivals in the summer.

Courses I Teach

  • Drugs and Human Behavior
  • General Psychology
  • Introduction to Neuroscience