Category: STEM Public Service Fellows

Savannah Finley is a 2025 WISCIENCE STEM Public Service Fellow and a graduate student pursuing a PhD in environmental chemistry and technology with a minor in environmental policy. She has a BS in chemistry with a minor in mathematics from Michigan State University. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, rock wall climbing, volleyball, …

"I feel drawn to the process of bridging academic research and real-world action, and I think community-engaged research is a great framework for making that happen."

"I really enjoyed working on my outreach project with the UW Arboretum. Every aspect of [it] was exciting, from getting to apply concepts we learned...to working with an artist and UW Arboretum employees, to presenting the product to the community!"

"I apply concepts from this program every day! I often think back to our discussions about engaging stakeholders with different perspectives, especially in better understanding the needs of policymakers I serve."

"I care a lot about how environmental science is taught, and I think that students would ultimately benefit from incorporating community engagement into traditional science courses."

"The cohort structure of the program...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."

"The thing that excites me most about community engagement is the ability to contribute to bringing research from academic journals into the community to work towards defined goals and positive change."

"I have always been passionate about both basic scientific research and increasing access to STEM education, and I believe this program will help me further integrate those passions as I continue into new roles post graduation."

"Considering how academic research can serve communities can be challenging, but learning and doing so with a group of peers was incredibly rewarding."