About
Izabella is a first-generation college student from Sacramento, California. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in General Biology with a minor in Human Development from UCSD in 2022. During her time at UCSD she led a team that worked with low income and first-generation students in the San Diego public school district to obtain financial support for their goals of attending college programs. In addition, she taught 1st grade students general biology and worked as a teaching assistant in a synthetic biology program for high school seniors during the COVID epidemic. Starting as a student intern in Peter Schultz’s laboratory at Scripps Research where she studied the genetic mechanisms of the evolution of the mitochondria, she was the first person to be hired onto Dr. Schultz’s Discovery Department at Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines. In her role as a research assistant over the past three years she has focused on the development of antibody drug conjugates for the treatment of Her2-positive cancers, creating an improved Flu vaccine, and the discovery of small molecule inhibitors to treat neurodegenerative diseases or neuronal damage from chemotherapy treatments. Outside of the laboratory she volunteers with Planned Parenthood where she connects with the community during election phases to voice for policies that would better support San Diegans of all identities in accessing equitable medical care, conserving autonomy rights, inclusive education, and affordable housing. As a future genetic counselor Izabella intends to create a space for families to experience patient centered compassionate care where those that often feel underrepresented, underserved, and exploited by the medical system can feel they have an active crucial role in their medical care. She is incredibly excited to create connections in Los Angeles and illuminate opportunities to improve medical care for the vast communities. In her free time, she loves to paint, plan girl’s nights, and sprint through her forever ongoing reading list.