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As Ashlee Snyder ’05 (Gilbertsville, Pa.) attends Drexel University School of Medicine this fall, she will pursue an M.D. with an eye toward serving the ear, nose, and throat medical needs of musicians.
Snyder, who has additional interests in trauma and emergency medicine, also plans on joining the Air Force, which could open up entirely different possibilities.
“My college experience gave me the educational foundation as well as clinical experience and confidence to succeed in a future career in medicine,” she says. “Furthermore, it presented me with opportunities to explore many of my other interests that do not include medicine, network with fellow doctors, and conduct research in a wide variety of fields.”
Snyder graduated with honors in music this May after completing a yearlong thesis on the use of music therapy with cancer patients and earned a second degree in neuroscience. Previously, she conducted neuroscience research with alumnus Jay Weiss ’63, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University, through the Lafayette Alumni Research Network and through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience at Emory. She served an internship at Lehigh Valley Family Practice and an externship at Jefferson Medical Center. Snyder also conducted independent research in organic chemistry under the guidance of William Miles, associate professor of chemistry.
“Lafayette has not only provided a vigorous scientific foundation for a prospective medical doctor to build upon, but also a supportive cultural arts environment as well,” she notes. “I love everyone in the music faculty. I had all of the music professors and enjoyed different aspects of each of their personalities.”
Snyder toured several European countries with the College Choir for a January interim session course. She also sang for the Madrigal Singers, was a charter member of the Soulfege a cappella group, and performed with the Marquis Players, a student group that produces an annual musical for charity. Snyder received the Ralph Scott Grover Music Scholar Award for distinction in music scholarship. She also was a member of Arts Society.
Somehow, she made time to serve on Residence Hall Council and Lafayette Intercultural Networking Council; assist with general chemistry instruction; lead first-year students in orientation; tutor peers in biology, chemistry, physics, and music; and work as an usher and box office associate at the Williams Center for the Arts and as an MCAT instructor.
“Till this day people remain surprised at my unique interests and passions, and it is Lafayette that has given me the opportunity to successfully prepare to tackle my career objectives in the future,” says Snyder.