Maria V. Snyder was born on April 15, 1973, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. An author who has made a significant mark in the realm of fantasy and science fiction, she is best known for her Study Series. Snyder's journey into the literary world was fueled by her initial aspirations to become a storm chaser. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Pennsylvania State University, she realized that forecasting the weather was not her forte. Seeking a creative outlet, she turned to writing, eventually crafting over twenty novels and numerous short stories.

Her first novel, Poison Study, debuted in October 2005 and was distinguished with the Compton Crook Award for the best first novel in 2006. Beyond her accomplishments as an author, Snyder has also been recognized on the New York Times bestseller list and has won a dozen awards. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she contributes as a faculty member. Her career reflects a blend of academic achievement and literary success, marking her as a prominent figure in her genres.