Evan Hellersund’s entry into the world of STEM began with a virtual SEAP high school internship at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock (NSWC). The experience set him on a path toward his future career by exposing him to the tangible impact of engineering solutions on real-world problems.
During college, Evan returned to NSWC for a college NREIP internship, this time in person. He immersed himself in a project focused on designing passive and hybrid exoskeletons for industrial use. These exoskeletons were intended to alleviate the physical burden on dock and warehouse workers, thereby keeping workers healthier – a cause Evan found both practical and noble.
“We were trying to figure out a better way to help reduce injuries, which are costly for the navy, and bad for the people,” he says. “They end up destroying their bodies doing that work.”
It was during his Freshman year that he honed in on his true passion, computer science – now his major at William & Mary. In 2023, the rising senior recently participated in the NREIP Fall Engagement Program where he became immersed in cloud-based network intrusion detection, a critical area in cybersecurity.
Through his internships and studies, Evan not only gained a secret-level security clearance but also acquired a nuanced understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that come with working in high-stakes environments. His commitment to keeping his country at the forefront of technological innovation drives much of his work.
Citing conflict going on around the world today and expressing concern that climate change will make things even more unstable, he believes technology is essential to ensuring global stability.
“The United States is kind of the global peacekeeper,” he says. “It’s important for the government and the Navy to maintain security and prepare for a better world. We need to stay strong, stay ahead of the game.”
Evan is now on his way to another NREIP summer at the Naval Research Laboratory and hopes to work for the Navy after graduation, calling his experience so far “meaningful.”
“And I have enjoyed it – otherwise I wouldn’t be coming back to these programs,” he said. “I learned a lot about working in a Navy experience and really just in an actual job experience. So I understand what it’s like to work for the government and I also just understand what it’s like to work in general. I think even having any work experience is really helpful.”
