Lindsey Sneed
At a time when many University of Mississippi engineering graduates are securing their first position with an engineering company or pursuing graduate work in their fields, Lindsey Sneed of Jonesboro, Arkansas, is taking a different route.
Sneed, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, is staying in Oxford to begin studies at the UM School of Law, where she received a generous scholarship.
After considering the University of Arkansas for her undergraduate work, Sneed chose to attend the Ole Miss because of the opportunities available through the School of Engineering and the affordability of the university. She is confident that her engineering school experience will be beneficial as she pursues her law degree.
“Being a student in the School of Engineering has taught me a completely different way to approach and solve problems,” Sneed said. “Reasoning skills are key to the successful practice of law, and I feel that the Ole Miss School of Engineering has taught me that there is no problem too big or too hard.”
Sneed’s short-term goals include completing her law degree and passing the bar exam. She would also like to live in a larger city (such as Nashville, Tennessee) and join a reputable firm with an environmental or intellectual property practice. Ultimately, Sneed hopes to become a law firm partner or begin her own practice.
As an undergraduate, she has developed a passion for environmental engineering. She participated in a study abroad program at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom that focused on the field. She said she believes that the increasing interest in sustainable energy practices will lead to new technological advancements that require patent protection.
“While abroad at Leeds, I learned a lot about alternative energy, as well as the practicality and feasibility of different types of energy: solar, hydro, tidal, and wind power,” Sneed said. “The use of biomass as a fuel source was also touched upon.
“It was very interesting to analyze climate trends, and then discuss the different ways to try and fix some of the damage we’ve done over the past few decades. It was very much an ‘engineering’ approach to climate change.”
During her time outside of class, Sneed was involved with the Associated Student Body, Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and Mock Trial, and she served as treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers. She credits John O’Haver, director of UM’s Center for Mathematics and Science Education and professor of chemical engineering; and Peter Sukanek, professor of chemical engineering, for their mentoring and advice during her undergraduate experience.