Patricia Snyder, Ph.D.
Child Development Center names new research director
Patricia Snyder, Ph.D., has been named director of research for the Center for Child Development (CCD), effective May 2.
Snyder hails from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, where she served as professor of Occupational Therapy, the associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies and the director and founder of the Early Intervention Institute in the School of Allied Health Professions.
“For the CCD to expand its grant-funded activities, we needed another researcher who could bring methodological expertise, prominence in the field and an amiable approach to working with others,” said Robin McWilliam, director of the CCD. “Funds were immediately committed to this endeavor because they would lead to growth and sustenance of the division. I could think of no one better than Pat Snyder to match the requirements.”
Snyder received her Ph.D. in early childhood special education, with an infant specialization and a minor in psychology, from the University of New Orleans. She is the current editor of the Journal of Early Intervention, which is the largest journal in the world for early intervention research.
“Pat is acknowledged nationally as an expert on research methods — especially measurement and interpretation of data analyses, personnel preparation, the use of the case method of instruction — and early intervention systems of service delivery,” McWilliam said. “She is very knowledgeable also about assessment, administration, inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration and the allied-health professions.”
In her new role, Snyder will conduct research to inform systems and services for young children with disabilities and their families. In this capacity, she will write grants for herself and with other members of the CCD. She will also work with clinical faculty to develop applied research studies that meaningfully integrate clinical and research activities.