Faces of Research: Meet Teresa Snow

The School of Biological Sciences in Georgia Tech's College of Sciences is charged with engaging in leading edge research in biological sciences and to provide high quality, innovative education for undergraduate and graduate students. The mission is to produce significant new knowledge and translate these discoveries into benefits for human and environmental health.

This installment of the Faces of Research Q&A series is with Teresa Snow, a senior academic professional in the School of Biological Sciences.

What is your field of expertise and why did you choose it?
I am both a kinesiologist and a statistician. At Georgia Tech, I serve a primary role in teaching and learning and a secondary role as a consultant on human performance and clinical research projects. I have always enjoyed research, but my interests were in using the data to visualize and explain human phenomena. Being a consultant allows me to work with a variety of researchers on different projects. I like the challenge and diversity that brings. As a teacher, I love working with Georgia Tech students to improve their own health and develop solutions to improve the health of communities. Our students are extremely motivated and creative. It is very rewarding to see them develop as both learners and researchers.  

What makes Ga Tech research institutes unique?
We have the best of the best. They are the leaders in their respective fields. The innovation and leveraging of technology to develop solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems is exciting and extraordinary. The collaborations bring unique perspectives and challenges us all to think and approach problems in different ways. You feel that you are a part of an effort that is constantly growing and improving.

What impact is your research having on the world?
Part of my impact is in helping young researchers design better studies so that mistakes which can affect both their data and data analyses are avoided. Another part is working with researchers to determine the best approach to answer their hypotheses which will lead to informed decision making. 

What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not working on your research or teaching?
I like having a balance between spending time with family/friends and also having alone time, where I can be out in nature, hike and/or work on my photography skills (where there is vast room for improvement)!