Esohe Osai
Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Education, Director, Justice Scholars Institute
412-648-9638
Dr. Esohe R. Osai is an Assistant Professor in Applied Developmental Psychology in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Osai operates as a community engaged scholar with an interest in how communities and schools can support social justice, development, and well-being for children, youth, and families.
She founded a school-university partnership called The Justice Scholars Institute (JSI), which supports the post-secondary transition for youth from marginalized communities. Through JSI, youth are provided opportunities to earn college credit and explore interests related to social justice and advocacy. JSI also intentionally collaborates with schools to promote equitable opportunities in teaching and learning.
Beyond her work in the academy, Dr. Osai engages in community through various community-based organizations, including one that she founded to support Black mothers and children in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Osai earned her Ph.D. in Education and Psychology at the University of Michigan. Her doctoral thesis focused on Black youth and the development of purpose in urban environments. Previously, Dr. Osai was a high school teacher in her hometown of Detroit. She also holds a B.A. in Education from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Dr. Osai’s purpose is centered on enhancing livelihood and well-being for children, youth, and families in urban communities. She privileges a social justice-centered, positive strengths approach in her community engaged praxis.