Christal Snyder is a first-year M.A. student in Folklore and Public Culture. She obtained her B.A. in Anthropology from California State University, Fullerton where she served as president of the Anthropology Student Association and treasurer of the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society, Chapter ETA. Through involvement with student organizations, she became interested in developing and implementing cultural programming. Her research interests lie in folk religious beliefs and rituals and the revitalization of such practices. By analyzing the perpetuation of folklore archetypes and their patrons, she seeks understanding of modern alternative spiritualities.

As an archivist at the Randall V. Mills Archives of Northwest Folklore, she served as an editor for Cooking with Folklore, accessioned and processed newly acquired materials, and assisted in the curation of an exhibit. Her work at OFN includes coordinating the newsletter, drafting folk arts award nominations, facilitating staff meetings, and assisting in the curation of exhibits. Outside of academia, Christal enjoys immersing herself in a good story, adventuring into nature, and discovering new documentaries.