Associate professor of physical therapy passes away
April 13, 2020
Katherine Harris, an associate professor of physical therapy, passed away on Sunday, April 12 after a brief illness. The dean of the school of health sciences sent the email to the QU community on Monday, April 13 notifying them.
“She took great pride in promoting excellence within our profession and was a mentor to many within the community,” Dean Janelle Chiasera wrote.
Harris joined the university in 2003 as an assistant professor of physical therapy. In 2010, she was promoted to the rank of associate professor. She served as chair of the Faculty Senate from 2010 to 2013, followed by interim advocate for the university curriculum from 2013 to 2015. She most recently served as chair and program director of the Physical Therapy Department.
Harris was an active member and leader of the Connecticut Physical Therapy Association, state’s Chief Delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association, main contributors to the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice and contributed to the physical therapy community in many more ways. The American Physical Therapy Association awarded her the Lucy Blair award for her contributions to her profession.
She left behind her parents, Grace Carroll and Peter Siladi, brother Mark Siladi, daughter Stephanie Biggs and her two grandchildren, Brooklynn and Kaden.
Dean Chiasera wrote that a memorial gathering would be held at a future date for her friends, family, students and alumni to celebrate Harris’ life.
