Her Story
About Isabella
Izzie Thompson is a junior at Emory University studying biophysics as a physics major while conducting bioengineering research for approximately two years. In her current lab role, she contributes to the development of a 3D tissue-engineered model of pulmonary arterial hypertension, focusing on model optimization through shear stress and stiffness data analysis, perfusion experiments, and computational simulations using CAD. Her path to this work included prior experiences such as working as an EMT, completing a neurobiology observership, and interning in a cellular biology laboratory through the American Heart Association, where she studied the physical transmission of leishmaniasis with a focus on extracellular vesicle secretion. Thompson has presented her research at the Southeastern Pediatric Research Conference and was named to the Dean's honors list during her freshman year after achieving a 4.0 GPA. She attributes her success to supportive mentors at Emory and her own persistence in pursuing opportunities despite setbacks, and she values scientific work that translates discoveries into tangible technologies directly impacting patients while maintaining passion even during challenging experiments.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Isabella
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to great mentors at Emory and overall persistence. I have been denied from many opportunities but continue putting myself out there, understanding I can still have meaningful experiences even if not the top choice.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can't just research what it's going to be like to have these experiences. You have to go out and get them to figure out what you want to do. Trying many different things like EMT work, neurobiology observership, and cellular biology research helped narrow down my passion to biotech.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Put yourself out there. Go to networking events even if you only know one person, apply to opportunities that may not seem exactly down your alley because you might find more passion than expected. Do not close doors out of fear.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Research funding is low due to the economic climate, making opportunities uncertain and deterring young students and women. This challenge can be overcome by seeking public or private funding in unique ways and should not deter those who are passionate.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I want scientific discoveries to progress towards tangible technologies and products that directly impact patients. Having a career and activities that fill your soul, make you feel joyous and renewed is important. Be passionate about your work even on hard days when experiments fail.
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