School of Pharmacy Hires New Assistant Professor
On April 1, 2024 Pacific University School of Pharmacy hired a new Assistant Professor, Dr. Katie Steele, PharmD, BCACP. Dr. Steele received her PharmD in 2015 and brings with her a strong focus in ambulatory care, cultural competency, underserved populations, patient education, mentorship and post-graduate education. We caught up with her and asked her some key questions to learn more about her and her background, why she wanted to join Pacific University and some interesting personal fun facts!
Q. Tell us a little about your background personally and professionally prior to becoming a faculty member here at Pacific University School of Pharmacy.
A. I was born in Texas, but moved around quite a lot growing up (living in Indiana, Colorado and Montana). I moved back to Texas for my undergrad at Texas Tech University and then also attended Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy. During my second year of pharmacy school, I was able to be part of a pharmacy-run camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes. I fell in love with the connections I was able to form with the kids/patients and saw first hand how impactful pharmacists can be. This experience led me to pursue residency and go into the ambulatory care field of pharmacy, where I would be able to form long-term connections with my patients. I matched with Pacific University for my PGY2 Residency in Ambulatory care / Academia and it was my first time even visiting Oregon. I had an amazing year with Pacific, unfortunately they were not hiring at the end of my residency year, so I got a job with Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center to help establish clinical pharmacy services out in Newberg, OR. I had always planned on going back into Academia and am so excited to be back at Pacific!
Q. What about Pacific University led you to wanting to join our team?
A. As I previously mentioned, I completed my PGY2 Pharmacy Residency with Pacific University from 2016-2017. I absolutely loved my time here, particularly the camaraderie and collaboration among the faculty and the special investments and connections they all strive to make with the students. I am excited to be back and a part of the Boxer family!
Q. As you enter the beginning of the 24/25 Academic Year, what excites you the most about the upcoming school year?
A. I am most excited about connecting with students and forming mentoring relationships with them. I am very passionate about the profession of pharmacy and personally benefited greatly when I was a pharmacy student from faculty mentors who I continue to keep in touch with. I am honored that I can now be in that position for the newer generations of pharmacists.
Q. Now it's time for some fun facts about yourself! For starters, what's your favorite movie and why?
A. The Princess Bride, it is the perfect mix of comedy, action/adventure and romance. It's also my favorite book!
Q. What was the title of the last book you read?
A. I really love to read! In fact, I often read more than 100 books a year (including audiobooks). Normally, I am reading several different books at the same time (paperback, audiobook, kindle). The last book I read was called "The Bullet That Missed" which is the third book in the "Thursday Murder Club" series by Richard Osman. It's a very fun series about four elderly people who live in a retirement village and solve murders. Similar to the Princess Bride, it is a great mix of humor and action.
Q. What are your favorite hobbies?
A. I love to explore the outdoors with my dog Sadie. I'm often hiking or out paddle-boarding in the summer. I love to travel and attempt one international trip per year. I am also a die-hard Blazers fan and try to attend as many games as possible!
Q. What is your favorite color?
A. Green (probably why I love the outdoors in Oregon so much).
Q. Okay Dr. Steele, you've been a good sport answering all of our questions. So last, but not least, what is your favorite animal?
A. I went to Scotland several years ago and fell in love with the Highland Cows there. I have a Golden Doodle dog who is basically a mini-version of those type of cows!
- by Amber Hieb, BA | Senior Manager of Administrative Operations | School of Pharmacy