Mark A Snowdon, MS (1962-87)

Mark A Snowdon came to the University of Cincinnati to pursue a graduate degree in physiology and biomedical research, with the intent of making his career in medicine in the area of obstetrics and gynecology.

Academically, Mark excelled having received 33 hours of A and 4 hours of B in his required graduate level courses, and all A's in his research credits. Mark received an A grade in the medical physiology course for first year medical students and graduate students, ranked 2nd out of 25 graduate students, and was in the upper 25% of the medical student class. He was also the only student to have received all A's in a very difficult advanced biochemistry course.

After completing his required coursework, Mark elected to go on the MS research track. Mark's research focused on the effects of hypoxia on the chemical coupling between the endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell under the direction of Dr Robert F Highsmith. Mark also completed several projects under joint appointee Dr Kenneth E Clark in the effects of calcium on the development of preeclampsia during gestation, the elucidation of the mechanism behind estrogen-induced vasodilation of the uterine vasculature, and the effects of estrogen on endothelial cell function.

Following an interview at the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, Mark was returning to Cincinnati when he was involved in a tragic automobile accident and died the next day from his injuries. The University of Cincinnati recognized Mark's efforts by awarding him the Master of Science degree posthumously.

Mark was a 1985 graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a BS degree in biochemistry. He was employed by the Nittany Lion Inn and the J Orvis Keller Conference Center, both at Penn State, and Centre Community Hospital pathology department. He also volunteered in Centre Community Hospital's emergency room.

Mark was a 1980 graduate of State College Area High School, where he participated in football and basketball and served as an athletic trainer. He was awarded the American Legion Certificate Award, the James H Snyder Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Athletic Achievement, and the Bruce E Knox Youth Award for Outstanding Community Service. During his senior year, he was president of the State College Area Key Club, sponsored by Kiwanis International, and received the Distinguished Presidents Award for service to the Pennsylvania District of Key Club International. Mark was a member of St Andrew's Episcopal Church, State College, PA where he served as an acolyte and lay reader.

Mark was born February 15, 1962 in Bellefonte, PA, the son of the late Dr John C and Mrs Anne J Snowdon. He is survived by a sister, Dr Jane L Snowdon.

View the Mark A Snowdon Memorial Awardees