As a Visiting Research Project Coordinator at the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI), Maxwell (Max) Wallace plays a pivotal role at the intersection of academic research, student development, and community health. His work on the Community Seminar Series, Illinois Youth Tobacco Survey, and Community-Academic Scholars program exemplifies IHSI’s commitment to public health impact through collaboration, outreach, and student engagement. What began as a graduate internship has grown into a meaningful coordinator role supporting high-impact efforts, reinforcing IHSI’s broader community engagement strategy.
Max’s ability to collaborate across teams, build relationships with diverse stakeholders, and amplify the work of students and faculty has strengthened IHSI’s ability to be a connector between the research being done at the university and the work being done in the community. His growing contributions reflect both his professional growth and the expanding efforts of IHSI to advance equitable, translational health research.
In his role at IHSI, Max has deepened his understanding of public health and broadened his view of how academic work can contribute to real-world change.
“This role started with one program, but it has grown into something much more meaningful over time. With each new opportunity, I have learned how to bring people together and move projects forward in ways that support public health,” Max explained. “Working across these initiatives has helped me see how academic work can reach beyond campus and create impact in the community. It has grounded me in a bigger purpose—supporting collaboration, access, and equity through every part of the work.”
The Community Seminar Series
While exploring opportunities for an Applied Practice Experience in the Master of Public Health program at Illinois—where he pursued a concentration in epidemiology—Max discovered a graduate hourly position supporting the Community Seminar Series (CSS). The role aligned with his undergraduate background in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and his growing interest in translational public health work. He joined IHSI in February 2022 and quickly became an integral part of the CSS team.
The CSS is a public health education initiative developed through a partnership between IHSI and Illinois Extension to connect university research with communities across the state. Presented virtually by graduate students and postdoctoral research trainees, the seminars are offered each fall, spring, and summer as a series of weekly events. Each session promotes meaningful dialogue between academic presenters and community audiences, bridging research and real-world application through free, inclusive programming.
In this role, Max initially assisted with slide reviews, presenter debriefs, and evaluation analysis—helping shape sessions that were responsive to audience needs. These early responsibilities gave him hands-on experience in academic programming and sharpened his ability to make research more accessible to non-academic audiences. His attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to inclusive outreach quickly made him a trusted collaborator.
Reflecting on this experience, Max shared how the series shaped his perspective on translational research and public engagement. Working closely with presenters and supporting the development of accessible content helped him begin building the kind of inclusive infrastructure that continues to guide his work today.
“Coordinating CSS taught me how to make research more accessible and how to support presenters in connecting their work to real-world audiences. I have always wanted to support healthier, more informed communities, and this gave me a way to do that,” Max said. “Seeing people connect with research in real time made it clear that communication is just as important as the science itself. I did not envision that my career would be focused on community-academic partnerships. I thought I’d be doing something like disease monitoring and management, but working on this series showed me how much impact this kind of programming can have.”
As the seminar series expanded to address health topics like mental wellness, disability inclusion, and aging, Max played a key role in supporting that growth. His early contributions helped shape new collaborations and broaden the program’s reach, including a partnership with the McKechnie Family LIFE Home and an initiative to align future sessions with emerging community health priorities. These projects signaled Max’s growing influence within IHSI and laid the foundation for his continued impact.
Dee Walls, Family and Consumer Sciences Programmatic Workforce and Career Development Outreach Associate at Illinois Extension, has observed Max Wallace’s influence on the series from multiple angles: as a collaborator, a program coordinator, and a consistent source of thoughtful input. He noted how Max’s support for student presenters, refinement of evaluation tools, and creative outreach ideas have helped evolve the team response more effectively to community feedback and expand the program’s reach through new formats and partnerships.
“Max makes the series welcoming and relevant to more diverse audiences. Collaborating with stakeholders on- and off-campus, he brings creative ideas that keep the series innovative,” Walls said. “He helps presenters deliver with greater clarity and confidence, and his analysis of audience feedback provide insights that guide the development of new, community-responsive topics.”
Building skills and relationships through the CSS laid the groundwork for his growing involvement at IHSI—including projects focused on statewide data collection, student engagement, and cross-sector partnerships to advance community health.
The Illinois Youth Tobacco Survey
Max expanded his role at IHSI by joining the Illinois Youth Tobacco Survey (ILYTS), a statewide public health initiative supported by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). When AHS Prof. Sarah Geiger needed coordination support for the project, IHSI Senior Director for Research and Innovation Gill Snyder recommended Max as someone who could step in quickly and guide a complex, collaborative effort. The referral reflected IHSI’s broader role in helping researchers build strong teams to carry out high-impact work.
Snyder noted that IHSI is increasingly called on to help campus researchers build strong operational teams—especially for large-scale or time-sensitive initiatives. She described Max as a trusted collaborator who brings consistency, care, and a deep understanding of IHSI’s community-engaged mission.
“When investigators need support, we often recommend individuals to not only bring the right skill set, but who will be reliable,” Snyder said. “Max brings steadiness, attention to detail, and real care for the work. He understands how to balance the big picture with day-to-day coordination, and he embodies IHSI’s values in every interaction.”
Drawing on the relationships and technical skills he built through the CSS, Max entered the ILYTS role with a strong understanding of how to align data collection with both research and community needs.
The ILYTS is a surveillance effort designed to monitor youth tobacco-related behaviors, exposure, and attitudes across Illinois. Conducted by researchers in the College of Applied Health Sciences, the survey generates critical data that inform public health policy, education, and prevention strategies aimed at reducing tobacco use and addressing related disparities among youth.
Max leads survey implementation in partnership with researchers, state officials, and participating schools. He manages logistics, oversees secure data collection through Illinois REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), and facilitates communication across collaborators—helping ensure the project stays responsive, efficient, and policy-relevant.
Reflecting on his experience, Max described how the ILYTS has sharpened his ability to manage statewide initiatives and illuminated the broader impact of focused, data-driven efforts. Beyond logistics and coordination, the project has given him a deeper appreciation for the long-term potential of prevention work grounded in community collaboration.
“What I enjoy most are the connections with people working towards a common goal—reducing adverse health issues for the next generation, helping folks lead happier, healthier lives free from addiction. I’ve met with countless organization leaders dedicated to that goal,” Max said. “Public health is a broad field, so focusing on this one issue allows us to assess, evaluate, and offer solutions that will have a ripple effect across the state. The phrase ‘it takes a village’ comes to mind—it ties in nicely with the community-focused work I do at IHSI.”
As one of Max’s former professors and a co-investigator on the ILYTS, Rachel Hoopsick has had a front-row seat to his growth. She described how his reliability, steady focus, and collaborative nature have contributed meaningfully to the project’s success.
“Max first got involved with the ILYTS as a recent MPH graduate, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see him grow into such a thoughtful and capable colleague,” Hoopsick explained. “He keeps things moving forward with calm organization and clear communication. His ability to connect with schools and public health partners at every level has helped build lasting, productive relationships that benefit the entire team.”
Through his continued coordination of the ILYTS, Max demonstrates his ability to manage complexity, foster trust, and deliver data-informed solutions that advance public health. The experience continues to reinforce his commitment to public health projects that produce meaningful, real-world outcomes for communities across Illinois.
The Community-Academic Scholars Program
Max joined the Community-Academic Scholars (CAS) program team in 2024, expanding his role at IHSI to support undergraduate students engaged in community-based research. Having previously coordinated graduate-level programming through the Community Seminar Series, he saw CAS as a natural extension of his interests in mentorship, applied health work, and equity-driven partnerships. His own undergraduate experience helped him connect easily with the students, making work especially meaningful.
The CAS program at IHSI connects undergraduate students at Illinois with research projects led by faculty mentors in partnership with community organizations. Each year, faculty from across campus propose summer research experiences rooted in community engagement. Students then apply to the program and are matched with projects that align their interests and goals. The 10-week program emphasizes mentorship, applied learning, and collaboration, providing students with opportunities to build research skills, contribute to real-world partnerships, and explore academic and professional pathways.
As co-leader of the CAS program and an IHSI research development manager, Celina Trujillo has seen firsthand how Max’s presence brings momentum and cohesion to their work. She emphasized his steady support, ability to bring structure to evolving ideas, and thoughtful communication style—qualities that have made him a trusted collaborator among students, mentors, and community partners.
“Max offers attention to detail, task-focus, and organizational skills that help the program run smoothly. Like yin and yang, our working styles and skills seamlessly complement one another,” said Trujillo. “Max provides action to my vision, organization to my brainstorming, and details to my broad strokes. His approachable nature promotes deeper and genuine connection with faculty, staff, community partners, and scholars.”
For Max, being part of CAS means more than logistics—it’s about being present for students in ways that foster confidence and growth. He reflected on the importance of offering encouragement, building trust, and creating moments where students feel valued as they step into unfamiliar roles.
“CAS gives students the chance to do something meaningful and build relationships that can shape their future, and I feel lucky to be part of that. I try to make sure they feel seen, supported, and celebrated—especially when they are preparing for presentations or navigating challenges in their projects,” Max said. “Being able to encourage and uplift students while helping connect them to community work has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role. It is a privilege to be someone they can rely on during such a formative experience.”
Through his work with undergraduate students, community partners, and faculty mentors, Max has helped create space for connection, growth, and meaningful collaboration. These experiences have deepened his understanding of how research informs real-world change—and laid a strong foundation for what comes next.
Vision for the Future
As Max continues supporting CSS, ILYTS, and CAS, he looks ahead to expanding the reach of IHSI’s public health initiatives while continuing to strengthen the infrastructure that supports inclusive, community-engaged research. Each experience has deepened his commitment to building partnerships that promote health, equity, and opportunity across Illinois and beyond.
That commitment was evident when Max returned to support CAS students after the 2024 summer program. At the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium, he offered encouragement as they shared their work with a broader campus audience, demonstrating the kind of presence and mentorship that extends beyond a single summer.
Lorena Magallanes shared how Max’s encouragement helped her feel calm and capable in a moment that could have been overwhelming. His presence during the symposium reminded her of the steady guidance she had received throughout the summer and reinforced the sense of trust and belonging built during the program.
“Having someone like Max take time to support me during the symposium showed that he truly cares,” Lorena said. “I was nervous to present, but he gave me helpful advice and made me feel confident. That support continued beyond the summer, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Cecilia Santiago described how Max’s presence helped her feel grounded and motivated. She recalled how his calm, reassuring demeanor brought the same sense of support and belief in her potential that had been so valuable throughout the CAS program.
“It meant a lot that Max took time out of his day to support us,” Cecilia explained. “I remember standing there, nervous about presenting, and just seeing a familiar face helped me calm down. Max encouraged me and reminded me that I deserved to be there—I’ll never forget that moment.”
Moments like these reflect the heart of Max’s work to build genuine relationships that create lasting confidence and connection. Whether mentoring students, coordinating public health projects, or strengthening community partnerships, he continues to center trust, inclusion, and purpose in everything he does.
Snyder shared that Max’s role illustrates the kind of thoughtful, relationship-driven coordination IHSI aims to provide across research initiatives. She emphasized that his presence on a team not only helps move projects forward, but also models how IHSI can partner with units across campus to strengthen their infrastructure for community-engaged work.
“Max embodies the kind of support IHSI is proud to offer—helping operationalize research in ways that are inclusive, efficient, and rooted in trust,” Snyder said. “We hope more researchers will connect with IHSI to find collaborators like Max who can bring clarity, care, and connection to their work.”
As Max looks ahead, he hopes to expand the reach of IHSI’s public health initiatives while continuing to strengthen the infrastructure that supports inclusive, community-engaged research. Each experience has deepened his commitment to building partnerships that promote health, equity, and opportunity across Illinois and beyond.
“I want to keep finding ways to bring people together around shared goals in health and equity,” Max said. “Whether I’m supporting a student, facilitating a project, or working with partners across the state, I want to make sure the work stays grounded in trust, inclusion, and community voice. As I grow as a research coordinator and public health professional, I’m excited to help IHSI deepen its role as an accessibility-forward institute—one that welcomes collaboration and creates space for people to connect and thrive.”