Biography

Dr. Patricia Koplas, PhD, PT, earned a BS Biology degree at Bucknell University, a doctorate in neurobiology at UNC-Chapel Hill, and her MSPT degree at Duke University. She serves as Chair of the Biology and Chemistry Department and teaches biology courses including cell biology, neurobiology, and anatomy and physiology. She also teaches an interfaith competency seminar for pre-health students and a learning community in the General Education program. She enjoys leading international study tours with students. Dr. Koplas is a licensed physical therapist and serves as the Pre-Health/Pre-Vet advisor for undergraduates at Queens.

In the spring of 2015, she was awarded the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Chair. She has multiple research interests including studying the impact of plant extracts on cultured cancer cells and discussing the importance of faith conversations for clinical interactions. She also enjoys working with girls in elementary school to learn about the human body in STEM camps.

She enjoys hiking, yoga, and gardening.

Education

Ph.D., Neurobiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
M.S., P.T., Physical Therapy, Duke University
B.S., Biology, Bucknell University

Awards / Recognitions

2015 Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Chair, Queens University of Charlotte
2009 William S. Lee Distinguished Professor Award, Queens University of Charlotte