Did you know that it’s estimated only 10-15% of PhDs actually become tenure-track professors? Laurel Springs’ Alum Ashley Snyder is one of the few who persevered, recently accepting an Assistant Professor position at University of North Dakota. She not only overcame slim odds, but excelled through determination – graduating with an outstanding GPA from Laurel Springs in 2014 and continuing on to a PhD program. Now, on the cusp of achieving her dream role, Ashley exemplifies the tenacious spirit of Laurel Springs alumni who relentlessly chase after their dreams.

Approaching Academia with Curiosity and Focus

Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah, Ashley co-leads many impactful projects, one in particular that’s improving recruitment for clinical trials involving pregnant women facing opioid addiction. Her qualitative research expertise made her an ideal fit to conduct interviews and focus groups. “A lot of clinical trials fail because they can’t get enough people participating,” Ashley explained. The need for her work is critical.

After applying for professor roles for years, Ashley accepted the Assistant Professor position at UND. This spring, she will begin teaching Biostatistics courses, blending her research background and engaging approach with her love for science. During her interview in North Dakota, she called her presentation, “Biostatistics – Why Should We Care?” as she aims to “make this topic interesting for students and show them why it’s relevant.”

How Self-Paced Learning Led to College Success

Ashley praised Laurel Springs’ flexibility, sharing that block scheduling subjects “is how my brain naturally works.” This customizable pacing allowed her to maximize AP courses, entering college with a year and a half of credits! For Ashley, Laurel Springs facilitated success by enabling her to learn on her own terms and direct her own path forward. She especially valued one-on-one support from teachers, recalling an hour-long physics discussion with her teacher that illuminated her interests and left her feeling increasingly excited about what she was learning.

After Laurel Springs, Ashley went on to earn a BS in Zoology and BA in Anthropology from Colorado State University in just 4 years. (She credits the year and a half of AP credits she gained from Laurel Springs with helping her complete two bachelor’s degrees in this accelerated time frame.) After CSU, Ashley attended the Colorado School of Public Health and earned an MPH in Epidemiology. The same month, she finished her master’s and started her PhD in Population Health Sciences with an emphasis in Health Systems Research at the University of Utah.

Diversifying Interests and Finding Purpose

Outside of her professional accomplishments and research, Ashley makes time for varied passions – from agriculture and the study of ancient languages to blacksmithing and leatherworking. Her indoor greenhouse is growing fig trees, olive trees and other drought-resistant crops – reflecting her care for environmental concerns currently plaguing her home state, Utah. Ashley also connects her Christian faith and anthropology background, aiming to learn biblical languages like Hebrew more comprehensively. “There’s so much that gets lost when we don’t understand the original languages and history,” she explained. Her curiosity empowers her to dig deeper across all pursuits.

At her core, Ashley is driven by helping others. She shared an exciting dream of eventually launching a nonprofit that partners with small towns in need of revitalization and introduces university students to job opportunities in the area. Just like her love for teaching others and conducting meaningful research, this altruistic dream of Ashley’s represents her spirit. Despite intense day-to-day demands, she stays grounded in purpose: “It’s not about joy. What keeps me going is this desire to help other people.”

Research of hers was recently published – a paper describing how she diagnosed herself with a stress-induced gluten intolerance after 17 years of a gluten-free diet. This research into celiac disease ironically inspired her to pursue a PhD in the first place. Now that she’s uncovered the truth and resumed a normal diet, Ashley hopes her article helps others avoid years of social and dietary restrictions.

Championing Adaptability and Lifelong Learning

When asked how she plans to champion learners like herself at the University of North Dakota, Ashley emphasized the importance of effort and adaptability. “It doesn’t matter so much how you learn, it’s more about what you’re doing with what you learn,” she shared. The implication that your learning style limits your ability to succeed in other realms is, in Ashley’s view, misguided. Whether you’re an auditory learner or prefer reading textbooks, what matters most is your willingness to work hard and apply yourself, regardless of your learning preferences.

Ashley is, in many ways, someone to look up to. Her empathy, achievements, and commitment to helping others position her as a role model for current and future students. As a highly involved Alumni Ambassador at Laurel Springs, Ashley was recently instrumental in bringing our Class of 2014 10-year reunion to life. She led the event as a class representative, and has inspired the Alumni Association to expand upon reunion events in the following years!

Her story illustrates how driven, independent learners can adapt and excel in a wide range of settings. Her time at Laurel Springs equipped her with the tools and confidence to pursue her dreams, even though that journey came with hurdles. As she prepares for her new role as an Assistant Professor, Ashley is poised to inspire and guide the next generation of students, encouraging them to embrace their unique interests and passions with enthusiasm. We can’t wait to watch her do so!

If you are a fellow Laurel Springs Alum, connect with her on LSS Alumni Connect! To hear about the experiences of other Alumni, parents, and students, join us for an upcoming Virtual Open House. It’s the best way to learn more about how our self-paced, private online education could cater to your needs, interests, and ambitions!

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