About Snider Desir
My Story
Childhood & loss
Snider Desir is a Haitian-born scientist, writer, and storyteller whose life journey mirrors the themes of resilience, identity, and legacy found in his debut novel, The Gift of Nightmares. After losing both parents at a young age due to inadequate medical care in Haiti, Snider faced the harsh realities of growing up as an orphan.
Coming to America
Following the loss of his parents, Snider immigrated to the United States. There, he encountered new challenges—abandonment, instability, and the mental health struggles of his older brother. These early years in a new country were marked by uncertainty and adaptation.
Finding My Way
Left largely on his own during his teenage years, Snider balanced school, work, and the unpredictability of life in North Philadelphia. With the support of mentors—most notably a high school teacher who became his legal guardian—he managed to push forward against the odds.
The Scientist & The Writer
Snider earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology and later obtained a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Minnesota’s Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology. His research focused on intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment, contributing to groundbreaking preclinical drug discovery. After graduate school, he advanced into pharmaceutical drug discovery at GlaxoSmithKline and later into biotechnology account management, playing a key role in developing sales strategies and driving multi-product growth for some of the world’s leading biotech firms.
Why I Wrote The Gift of Nightmares
Snider’s personal experiences deeply inform his writing. The Gift of Nightmares is not just a novel—it’s a reflection of memory, migration, and the quiet strength it takes to carry a legacy forward. His work honors the sacrifice and spirit of those—especially immigrants—who leave home not just to survive, but to transform.
Contact Me
I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a reader with thoughts about the book, a book club interested in a discussion, or a fellow writer—please reach out.
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Get in Touch
I’d love to hear from readers, book clubs, and fellow writers. Whether you want to discuss the book, invite me to an event, or just share your thoughts—reach out!
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What's Next
- Working on my second novel
- Publishing short stories
- Virtual reading events