20 Questions With...

Raj Chetty, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, English

Raj Chetty, Ph.D., joined St. John’s in 2013 as an Assistant Professor of English. His research focuses on Caribbean literature and culture, postcolonial literary studies, Black/African diaspora studies, and performance studies. He also teaches world literatures in English and postcolonial literature and theory. 

1. Yankees or Mets?

Chicago White Sox

2. Best advice for students

Own what you already know, and bring it to bear on what you learn.

3. Beach or mountains?

Beach

4. Favorite part of teaching at St. John’s

Engaged and committed students 

5. If you could have dinner with any person, who would it be?

My wife, Sommer

6. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Telekinesis

7. If you could spend 24 hours in any city, where would it be?

Cape Town, South Africa

8. In one word, describe St. John’s.

Queens

9. Favorite place on campus

DAC

10. Coffee or tea?

Tea

11. Kindle or real book?

Physical book

12. In three to five words, why is a St. John’s degree so valuable?

Demonstrates a commitment to learning  

13. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts?

Dunkin’

14. Spring? Summer? Winter? Fall?

Summer

15. What is your hidden talent?

Mediation

16. Carnesecca Arena or MSG?

MSG

17. How do you show your St. John’s pride: hoodie, T-shirt, or hat?

Hat     

18. Important lesson learned from a student

Expressive arts give life

19. Three things you cannot live without

Family, Faith, Food

20. What is your fantasy career?

Writer for The Daily Show