Alumni Interview Series: A Conversation with Alex Wheatley '16 *20 and Nathan Eckstein '16 *20 (Part 1)
In the hallowed halls of Princeton University, a prestigious scholarship and leadership development program is making waves. The Scholars in the Nation’s Service Initiative (SINSI) is designed to support students committed to public service careers, particularly those serving in government or the military.
SINSI offers unique opportunities that set it apart from other programs. Recipients can benefit from distinguished scholarships like the Frank C. Carlucci ’52 Scholarship, which supports students demonstrating excellence and dedication to national service. Alumnus Matt Grossman, for instance, combined SINSI support with leadership roles and internships in government legal departments.
Beyond scholarships, SINSI provides access to intensive summer academic programs and enrichment experiences that build leadership skills and foster a commitment to serve the nation. Students also integrate with Princeton’s public and international affairs resources, including involvement in student government, policy research, and internships in public service sectors.
The program is renowned for nurturing high-achieving students with a commitment to leadership and service. Through financial aid, practical experience, and personalized mentorship, SINSI prepares them for influential roles in government, law, or the military.
While research in the policy realm often competes with policy-makers' and principals' pre-held assumptions, two Princeton graduates, Alex Wheatley and Nathan Eckstein, have found success in their respective fields.
Wheatley, with a focus on quantitative analysis and development with a minor in health, has used his research to understand spatiotemporal dynamics - when and where people were hospitalized with infections related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). His undergraduate thesis explored the spatiotemporal dynamics of a virus' activity in Mexico, with the goal of informing a vaccine rollout.
Eckstein, on the other hand, focuses on International Relations. His research in policy school involves synthesising large amounts of qualitative and/or quantitative data into easily-digestible formats. His undergraduate thesis, a 125-page document, while impressive, much of the data-work he did, even within the Wilson School, would have been lost on a policy-maker.
Both Wheatley and Eckstein found their first year of graduate school to be valuable and engaging. The transition from undergraduate to graduate school was refreshing, with small cohorts and a mix of student and practitioner perspectives. Finding a tight-knit program with a strong sense of community may be important for undergrads declaring their concentrations.
For those considering applying for SINSI, Eckstein became interested after an internship with an embassy abroad and a desire for a career in public service. He was drawn to the program's commitment to preparing students for careers in the U.S. government.
In conclusion, SINSI at Princeton University is a beacon for students seeking a comprehensive and supportive environment for their journey into public service. With its unique opportunities, focus on high-achieving students, and tight-knit community, SINSI stands out as a program that truly prepares its recipients for influential roles in government, law, or the military.
SINSI, through its focus on education and self-development, offers unique learning opportunities that help students achieve personal growth and career development by preparing them for influential roles in government, law, or the military. The diverse experiences and resources available within the program, such as scholarships, summer academic programs, leadership training, and access to Princeton's public and international affairs resources, foster a commitment to serve the nation.
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