ELIZABETH SCHNEIDER
About Elizabeth
AT ERSKINE:
- Class: 2020
- Major: Biology and Chemistry
- Involved in: Student Christian Association, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Reformed University Fellowship, Tri-Beta (Biology), American Chemical Society, Student Legislature, SI, and RA
AFTER ERSKINE:
- Moved to Memphis, Tenn. to obtain a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Studied the role of an ion channel (protein) in cerebral arteries (the blood vessels in the brain).
- Having completed her Ph.D., Elizabeth will soon start a new job and move to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she will be studying cardiac potassium channels and teaching/mentoring.
Q: What is some advice you would give to current Erskine students?
“It’s important to use college as a time to learn and build the foundation for a career, but do not neglect the community and memories that Erskine provides. And you never know what life will throw at you…don’t save all the fun things for your last semester in case there is a world-wide pandemic or something.”
Q: Who were your favorite Erskine professors, and how did they influence your journey?
A: While many – if not all – of my professors help to make my Erskine experience a memorable and cherished time, I would have to say that Dr. Howard Thomas truly influenced my journey. He encouraged me to find the right path for me in a scientific career, and he is the reason I pursued a Ph.D. and am working toward a professorship. I always said I wanted to be the next Howard Thomas, if that shows just how much he impacted my journey.
Q: What’s one thing about you now that your college friends wouldn’t believe?
A: That I am moving across the country and feel nothing but excitement for what lies ahead of me. I always pictured myself finding a small town like Due West and settling down as soon as I finished graduate school, but while Due West may be in my future, I am excited for a bit more spontaneity on the road there.
Q: Do you have a favorite Erskine tradition or event?
A: The Hymn Sing will always be a favorite event of mine. Just the idea of the Lord’s sheep gathering to praise His name on a starry night is so beautiful, and not something that you experience at most colleges.
Q: If you could relive one day at Erskine, which day would it be and why?
A: If I had to pick a day to relive, it would probably be the solar eclipse of August 20, 2017. It was barely the start of classes but everyone on campus took an hour or so to stop whatever they were doing to gather on the fields, lay down, and look up. It was a neat experience because of the scientific novelty of it, but also because of the great community felt among the students, faculty, and staff throughout campus.
Q: How did Erskine prepare you for life after college?
A: Erskine prepared me for grad school by challenging me academically. While the classes were rigorous, the professors were encouraging and helpful. I also grew so much spiritually, which prepared me for the difficulties in life that came my way especially in finding a community in a new city.
Q: What does the Erskine community mean to you?
A: The Erskine community helped me develop into the person I am today academically and spiritually. Even to this day, it remains a place I long to visit and a group of people I continue to love and be loved by.
