GALESBURG, Illinois—Alison Snyder-Warwick '00 is a successful pediatric plastic surgeon at the St. Louis Children's Hospital. She majored in Biology at Knox before attending the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Snyder-Warwick was also a member of the swimming and diving team at Knox.
 
Why did you choose Knox?
 
There was just something about Knox that kept it from getting cut in my college search. Even though I was mostly looking at East coast schools, there was something unquantifiable that made me keep it in consideration. The excellent sciences, small size, ability to swim, and amazing people at Knox were all attractive to me…and Coach Knosher never stopped calling!
 
How did Knox help shape you into who you are now?
 
The Knox experience taught me so much! Maybe most importantly, I learned to ask questions, an invaluable skill in life. Learning about one another makes us all better, particularly when we differ. The Knox community emphasizes strong moral values and tolerance of differing opinions. Diligence, self-motivation, inquiry, honesty, and fairness are pillars that were strengthened at Knox and remain incredibly important to me today.
 
I was also lucky to meet my husband, Chris Warwick '99, at Knox. He keeps me grounded, balanced, and sane.
 
How did Knox, specifically Knox athletics, prepare you for life after Knox?
 
Hard work pays off—in every arena. Be it athletics, scholarly pursuits, or social activities, you reap what you sow. At Knox I had the opportunity to be involved in an assortment of different activities. The juggling act has continued since!
 
Did you have a coach from Knox that stuck out to you as particularly instrumental in your life?
 
Although he didn't actually coach me in athletics, Coach Knosher has made the biggest imprint in my life. Coach Knosher is an ideal role model. He is the epitome of positivity, an insatiable work ethic, amicability, and ethical fortitude. He always has a smile and a meaningful and entertaining story. He is someone you can count on in both good and bad times; he knows exactly what you need to lift your spirit or motivate you. He is certainly someone you never want to disappoint. I am so lucky to have Harley Knosher in my life.  
 
What is your career?  What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I am a pediatric plastic surgeon and scientist. Clinically, I focus on reconstruction of facial nerve disorders, brachial plexus and other nerve injuries, and cleft lip and palate. From a research perspective, I study the interface between nerve and muscle with the goal of improving recovery after nerve injury. My career motivates me because I have the privilege of creatively problem solving to help people overcome challenges, while using microsurgery and anatomy. There is nothing better than making people smile!