Meet Ryan Doty ’26 Doty's many creative pursuits range from research in the chemistry lab to taking photos around campus.

Ryan Doty ’26
Majors: Chemistry and creative writing
Hometown: Tipton, Michigan

Why did you choose to come to W&L? 

When I was here for Johnson Weekend, the entire campus felt like home, which is incredible, considering I’m from Michigan. There was something about the community that made it feel like I would be reassured in pursuing whatever avenue seemed appropriate.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L? 

I don’t think I ever expected to take piano or vocal lessons while I was a student here, but I’m so glad I did. While I’ve always been involved with music, it’s always been from the sidelines, so it was exciting to experience music front and center. I’m currently working on some projects, and I certainly credit these courses for reigniting and spurring my interest in the actual creation of new music itself.

Where is your “home” on campus?

Definitely the Science Center area. I’ve probably spent more time there than I have anywhere else on campus! I’ve actually gotten to know a good amount of faculty members via studying in the same area over the past few years, which has been wonderful. I also have some great friends in the English and studio art spheres.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus? 

The Shenandoah Internship course comes to mind. I’ve never heard of such an opportunity before, but I learned so much about the publishing industry while interning for Shenandoah literary magazine, such as copyediting, proofreading and, most intriguing to me, what makes a piece of fiction “good” to someone. Plus, the professor, Beth Staples, is amazing!

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student? 

Oh, wow. I have so many mentors that have given me so much advice, guidance and direction over the past three years. I can’t pick one, but a few that immediately come to mind are Eli Bradley ’22, Jess Kishbaugh ’24 and Spencer Merrell ’25. From course registrations to navigating student life, they helped lay a strong foundation for me to find my community and succeed here. Faculty-wise, this list isn’t exhaustive, but I’m especially thankful to Beth Staples, Dr. Erin Gray, Dr. Erich Uffelman, Kim Hodge, Dr. Adam Scales and so many others for literally the hundreds of conversations and moments of inspiration that they’ve contributed to me and my time here. I genuinely wouldn’t be here without them.

What was your favorite class and why? 

It has to be organic chemistry. I took the class on a whim because it opened so many science pathways, and it seemed interesting. Being challenged in that capacity was new to me, but I enjoyed having to find the right “puzzle piece” to solve certain synthesis problems and search for answers to questions I didn’t know existed. On top of that, running all these intricate experiments in the lab felt like I was in a creative sandbox. I’m elated that I decided to take that class. Shoutout to Dr. Gray and Professor Smith for making my sophomore year amazing!

What are your hobbies/interests and how has W&L helped you develop and pursue them? 

I love running, music production and songwriting, genealogy and family history, reading and photography! Because of the Johnson Scholarship, I was actually able to travel throughout Europe to some locations where my family emigrated from. I had made a family tree going back multiple generations in my free time, and being able to see these documented locations was always a bucket list item for me. The time abroad was one of the most surreal and breathtaking experiences of my life – just to think that you’re on the same soil, in nearly the exact same place, as someone who lived the stories that you hear about was inexplicably fulfilling. Also, being able to take pictures as a student campus photographer has allowed me to continue my love for photography, which has been prevalent since I was little.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L? 

I’m always excited when something I’ve created makes it out into the world, so all of the creative pursuits that I’ve had are notable to me, from researching new methods to synthesize a molecule, to writing inventive short fiction, to photographing something from a new angle, and letting others see the result. I can’t pick a specific accomplishment, but I consider the collective to be my greatest achievement, and just continuing to push myself in most avenues is what I’m most proud of.

Have you studied abroad during your time at W&L? Where did you go, and how was your experience?

While I was fortunate enough to travel across Europe to explore my family’s history, I’ve also done summer research abroad with Dr. Erich Uffelman in The Netherlands and Belgium. We were performing cultural heritage studies on various artifacts and paintings, and I especially enjoyed the data collection and analysis once we returned.

How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success? 

I’ve learned self-sufficiency, perseverance and time management more in the past few years than ever before. While I had developed some of these qualities prior, they’ve never proliferated as much as within my time as a W&L student. Regardless of what happens next, I’m positive these are going to transfer well into any area of post-graduate life.

Who or what inspires you?

Definitely my close family (especially my baby niece) and friends!