Campus Community Profile: Steve Karas, PT, DSc, CMPT
Name: Steve Karas
Title: Assistant Professor (PT, DSc, CMPT)
Joined Chatham: Jan 2009
Born & Raised: Pittsburgh, PA
Interests: Cycling, Running, Travel, Hemingway
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
A: My first PT job was at Shadyside hospital. I worked with athletes, patients after joint replacements, patients in the hospital, and those receiving cardiac care. I learned that although medicine tends to compartmentalize, having experience in several areas will strengthen your personal discipline and ability to think and reason.
Q: What aspect of your life before teaching best prepared you to do so?
A: My mom was a teacher, and even when she came home she worked on lesson plans and creative ways to teach. She taught at a lower-income schools with disciplinary issues, but she loved to teach and would talk about the successes of individual students, some of whom were first to attend college in their family. Watching someone who loves what they do played a role in my decision to teach.
Q: What makes teaching at Chatham special for you?
A: I graduated from the first PT class. I was able to come back to be a teaching assistant, then help in class, and when the faculty position was offered to me, I was very grateful. I felt like it was my opportunity to influence the next generation of physical therapists and work among a very impressive faculty. I feel bad for people who don’t like their job, because I love mine.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working with Chatham students?
A: The moment I realize they know more than me.
Q: What one thing would your students be surprised to know about you?
A: I am jealous of them. They are learning at a time when information is readily available and the world is smaller than ever. They are all in a position to change the world.
Steve Karas is an assistant professor in the Physical Therapy program. When he’s not working, he’d rather be watching the sun set over Grace Bay with a San Pellegrino and lime.