A semi-recent transplant from Northern Nevada, Dr. Karen Kucharski has made her way down to UNLV's School of Dental Medicine, where she teaches pre-doctoral students who are pursuing their degrees and dreams in dental medicine (and then spends her time off the clock taking laps at UNLV's Student Recreation & Wellness Center to relax).
The assistant professor spent her first 30 days in Las Vegas playing tourist and quickly located her favorite locale (down to the best time to visit). "My favorite tourist spot is the Bellagio Gardens," says Kucharski. "I could go there every single day. And if I had my choice, I would go there every single day at 3 in the morning when nobody's there and have the space to myself."
When she's not exploring the Strip with her family, she's been busy picking up tips from her Gen Z students on everything from tricks for using the newest technological gadget to the younger generation's open-minded takes on life.
We know faculty and staff can have a profound effect on their students. Have you had a moment where you've learned something from a student?
Oh, that's daily. I have learned so much from the students, including little things like how to use my phone more effectively to more substantial things like how to live in the moment and be present. The students are happy to be here; they are happy to be entering this profession. They lack any preconceptions about their patients.
The more I interact with the students, the more I learn how to be happy in the moment; happy that each day is a new day.
You were living in Northern Nevada before coming to the south, and you’ve been here about 14 months. What’s the most Vegas-y thing you've done since you moved here?
During the first month we were here, we dedicated our weekends to walking up and down the strip and Fremont Street. We went to the Sphere, we saw the big gold nugget, we did everything possible.
What problem in the world would you most like to fix?
If I had a magic wand, I would empty all the animal shelters and make sure every animal goes to a loving home.
Do you have an object in your office that has a special place in your heart?
I have pictures of my two dogs — Anne the chihuahua and Chumlee the Newfoundland. Anne was one of those ferocious chihuahuas. She didn’t like most people, but she liked me. She was a good friend who saw me through many of the highs and lows in life. Chumlee came along when everything was on an even keel and was part of all the good times. Both have since passed, but I will always remember them.
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
When I was 10 years old, I won the Southern California Junior Accordion Championship. I was a competitive accordion player and still have the trophies.
Tell us about your biggest pet peeve, whether in life or at work.
My biggest pet peeve is excuses. I’d rather you tell me that you forgot, or didn’t manage your time effectively, rather than forcing me to endure a lead-up story to justify why you didn’t get the job done.
Do you have a gear recommendation?
I can recommend a website for finding gear. It’s GearTrade.com. It has lots of pre-worn apparel and footwear for outdoor activities as well as camping, hiking, skiing and other equipment. The descriptions identify whether it's well used, but still has life left in it, or only saw one season.
What's the latest book that you couldn't put down?
In Love by Amy Bloom. This book, oh my gosh, just knocked it out of the park.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Yes. I drink as much Diet Coke as I can.
