Ava Heintzelman’s Journey at the University of Montana
MISSOULA – Ava Heintzelman’s path to the University of Montana (UM) was unexpected. After moving multiple times and attending around 12 schools before high school, she initially planned to leave Missoula for college. However, a campus tour with her brother shifted her perspective; she felt a unique sense of community and realized she could thrive at UM.
Heintzelman pursued dual degrees in biochemistry and cellular/molecular neuroscience, exploring her interests thanks to supportive faculty. Despite taking on over 20 credits each semester, she also worked full-time, conducted research, and engaged in student leadership. Her passion for neuroscience was influenced by her uncle and her mother’s work in special education, while her chemistry interest grew as she began teaching peers.
In addition to her studies, Heintzelman earned her EMT license and worked in the emergency room, gaining invaluable patient-care experience. She became increasingly interested in health advocacy, aiming to influence health policies and make global changes.
Pursuing a Master of Public Health at UM after her undergraduate degree, she integrated her science passion with her desire to help people. She was recently honored as a Mortar Board National Foundation Fellow.
During her graduate studies, she worked on a project with the Missoula City-County Health Department, addressing loneliness among older adults. Now, as she nears the completion of her degree, Heintzelman is redesigning chemistry labs, preparing for medical missions, and contemplating her future in either medical school or doctoral programs.
Ultimately, she feels that her time at UM and the Missoula community has given her a sense of belonging she lacked before. While considering her next steps, she is ready to take the lessons and support she received into the world.
Contact:
Dave Kuntz, UM Vice President of Marketing and Communications
406-243-5659
dave.kuntz@umontana.edu
