College of Science graduate Isabella DeJesus reflects
For Isabella DeJesus, college wasn’t just about getting good grades — it was about making an impact that outlasted her. After transferring to Utah State University following her first year of college, she dove into biochemistry and human biology, aiming for medical school while also building a more inclusive community within her major through her leadership roles and peer mentorship.
Originally from Riverton, DeJesus graduated from high school in 2021 and began her college journey on a dance scholarship at Southern Utah University.
“I’ve wanted to be a doctor my entire life,” DeJesus said. “I went into SUU double majoring in biology and psychology.” However, after learning about CRISPR technology research at USU, she transferred to pursue more opportunities in genetic engineering.
Moving up to Logan immediately after her first year at SUU, she began working with USU postdoctoral researcher Yanan Liu on a genetic engineering experiment. DeJesus said hitting the ground running was important to her as she began her involvement with USU before the school year even rang in.
DeJesus became an Undergraduate Research Fellow, taking full advantage of every opportunity the College of Science had to offer.
She served on the college’s student council all three years — this year as president — served as an ambassador for the University Honors Program, worked as a teaching fellow for organic chemistry and participated in other clubs like the Biology Undergraduate Student Association, where she now serves as treasurer.
As student council president, DeJesus focused on fostering a sense of community within the college.
“There’s a huge stigma about who belongs in STEM,” DeJesus said. “We wanted to push inclusion.”
Focusing on bringing people together, DeJesus’s efforts resulted in initiatives like a peer mentorship program to guide new students through what she described as a “scary process.”
DeJesus said being a first-generation college student pursuing something in the science or medical field, while being in the minority as a female biochemistry major, felt daunting at times.
“But I used my position to speak up and create the support I wish I’d had,” DeJesus said.
DeJesus’s dedication to others extended beyond her achievements in the classroom. As a University Teaching Fellow, she not only supported students academically but also inspired them, according to John Russell, her organic chemistry professor and mentor. Russell said he often turned to her for insight on how to help students succeed.
“She’s very precise and plans ahead,” Russell said. “My students regularly praised her for how helpful she was.”
With an intense schedule, DeJesus seemed to stay “generous with her time,” Russell said, as DeJesus chose to spend time mentoring other students, tutoring and being personable about how she spent her time.
“She’s always willing to help others succeed,” Russell said.
DeJesus said that sense of service is central to her future goals as she follows her passion for science and family building. Currently working at the Utah Fertility Center, she plans to continue there during her gap year before medical school.
Working the last two summers as a phlebotomist and endocrine technologist for the center, she has now been offered a position as a medical laboratory scientist.
“I’m obsessed with reproductive medicine,” DeJesus said. “It’s so magical.”
Feeling drawn to the journey and health of other women, DeJesus said she is excited to represent other women in the field and bring her perspective to the physician’s field.
As she awaits her MCAT results and finalizes her medical school applications, DeJesus reflected on the community and mentorship she found at USU.
After experiencing two departments with her double major, DeJesus said she feels deeply connected to the school and a network of support.
“If you believe in the scientific process, this is the place to be,” DeJesus said. “Get involved.”