While the Flint, MI water crisis is an enduring tragedy for all the harmed families with lead poisoned kids and other water-related health problems, the water would still be poisonous without brave individuals with diverse backgrounds stepping up to take action. First and foremost to be recognized are the Flint citizens, who educated themselves and worked together with the Flint Water Study Team, Professor Marc Edwards, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Mr. Miguel del Toral, the brave whistleblower from the EPA, and many other people. The battle that was fought in Flint exemplifies how individuals trained in different disciplines, along with citizen scientists, can effect crucial societal changes. As a member of the Flint Water Study Team, I have been involved in the investigation of high lead in the water since the July 2015. While the science of lead leaching into the water and means to prevent corrosion were already proven, the existence of scientific knowledge and regulations alone were not sufficient for the city to take action to stop poisoning its citizens. Firstly, the importance of those in authority to do their duty was paramount, but to overcome this barrier, communicating science to a diverse, and often skeptical or untrusting, group of stakeholders was critical. In a recent Editorial article in the Nature special issue on interdisciplinary research, it was highlighted that “True interdisciplinary science cannot be rushed, not least because the best course of investigation is rarely clear at the outset.” In an interview with Dr. Edwards, he acknowledged that the release of results demonstrating elevated blood lead levels in kids by Dr. Mona Hannah-Attisha was one of the most influential turning points in action finally being taken. The importance of the role of citizen science in the Flint collaboration cannot be understated. In my experience in the city-wide sampling, I learned that when science is explained to the public in a way they can understand and relate to, they can actually do it better than the responsible agencies. As researchers, we might be more comfortable dealing with experimental apparatus and data. But when we consider the broader impact of our work on the society, it is essential that we step out of our disciplinary silos and learn to value and work with all stakeholders in order to benefit our communities, our countries, and the world.