Evan Heintz was a WISCIENCE STEM Public Service Fellow in 2021 while pursuing a PhD in physics. He is currently an undergraduate advisor for both the Physics and Astronomy Departments at UW–Madison. In his free time, he loves hiking, birdwatching, playing the piano and bass, reading, and most of all, spending time with family and friends.
What was your favorite part of the STEM Public Service Fellow program?
There was a lot to love about this program, but if I had to pick one, it would be the cohort structure of the program. It gave me the opportunity to meet other graduate students from STEM fields who also wanted to make an impact on their local communities, which was something I was missing from my own program. That network of like-minded people gave me a sense of belonging as a graduate student that I hadn’t exactly found yet.
What was one of the most valuable things you learned as a Fellow?
I found the argument that the goal of public service should be to build healthy, sustainable community partnerships, rather than just the act of an individual, to be an incredibly valuable shift in how to think about working in and with the community. The acknowledgment that community members are the experts on what will work in their community and that we then complement that expertise with our own scientific knowledge can help create successful initiatives, partnerships, and impacts that extend well beyond the timeline of the work.
What advice do you have for new Fellows coming into this program?
You’ll be surrounded by an amazing group of graduate students who all have strengths in various areas. Take advantage of learning as much as you can from them. Furthermore, that network and group of friends you make from this program can serve as a great support structure throughout the program and beyond.
Learn more about STEM Public Service Fellows.