Laura Schnitker

Laura Schnitker serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Musicology & Ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland's College of Arts and Humanities, appointed in Fall 2012. Concurrently, she holds a full-time position as audiovisual archivist and curator in UMD Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives, leading the Mass Media & Culture unit.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.M. in Clarinet Performance from the University of Michigan
• M.A. in Ethnomusicology from Tufts University
• Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Maryland

Dr. Schnitker's research centers on popular music independence traditions, community radio ecosystems, and African-American musical heritage, examining how alternative creation and distribution models challenge cultural hegemonies. Her archival expertise intersects with sound studies, particularly in broadcast history preservation and recorded sound curation, demonstrated through extensive conference presentations and digital history projects.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Scholarship to attend Modern Archives Institute at the National Archives (2012)
• Certification from Academy of Certified Archivists (2014)

As an active scholar-practitioner, she co-chairs the Radio Preservation Task Force's College, Community and Educational Radio Caucus and serves on the executive committee for 'Legends: The Evolution and Legacy of Black Radio.' Her community engagement extends to curating exhibits on WMUC radio history, Maryland Public Television's 50th anniversary, and the cult film Heavy Metal Parking Lot, while maintaining a 20+ year career as an on-air DJ hosting 'The Bohemian Challenge' on WMUC-FM.