The Iowa Sciences Academy (ISA) is renowned for offering students meaningful support, helpful resources throughout their college careers, and hands-on research opportunities. Today, we feature two students who have thrived within the ISA community. 

Liz Barroso: A Passion for Research and Community 

Meet Liz Barroso, a senior majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, who is in her third year with the ISA and her second year as a MARC Trainee. Liz's journey with the ISA began in her freshman year as a Science Alliance Intern. Her early interest in science blossomed into a passion for research, thanks to the hands-on experiences provided by the ISA. 

Liz quickly immersed herself in research at Dr. Ling Yang’s lab, where the focus is on understanding the molecular components of organelle stress responses in obesity and diabetes. This research holds personal significance for Liz since she has family history with diabetes. Her dedication to research extended beyond campus, with a summer experience at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, where she delved into beta cell research and enjoyed exploring the city's transportation system. 

In addition to the hands-on research through the ISA, Liz has benefited from the ISA coursework, career counseling service and graduate school application support.  Liz appreciates the ISA community for its supportive environment, valuable friendships, and connections with faculty members. As she prepares to graduate in Spring 2025, Liz is applying to immunology Ph.D. programs. In her free time, she enjoys digital art and running. Her advice to fellow ISA students is to "give yourself more credit and practice time management, not taking on more than you can chew. Don’t compare yourself to others because everyone is different!" 

Lily Schaefer: Bridging Science and Compassion 

Meet Lily Schaefer, a junior majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology, who is passionate about her future career in Genetic Counseling. Lily joined the ISA in the spring of 2023 as a Science Alliance Intern and was accepted into the Latham program this fall. Her journey with the ISA began with an email invitation to join a research program, which led to a meaningful connection with ISA Director Lori Adams and Career Counselor Jahnavi Pandya. 

Lily's personal experiences with genetic challenges have fueled her passion for genetic counseling, which she sees as the intersection of science, people, and effective solutions. She values the ISA Latham program for its emphasis on effective communication, a crucial skill in genetic counseling. Lily is also involved in hands-on research in John Engelhardt’s lab, studying airway stem cell niches in cystic fibrosis.  

As a mentor in the peer mentoring program, Lily enjoys developing new friendships and finds mentoring fulfilling. Her advice to other ISA students is to "take advantage of the many things the university has to offer. It’s a large place, but you will find faculty that is focused on your well-being and helping you feel safe and confident in a research setting. You’ll meet so many great people and create amazing friendships." Lily plans to pursue a master’s degree in genetic counseling after graduating from Iowa and hopes to one day help establish a genetic counseling program at the University of Iowa. Lily is also the president of the U of I campus chapter of NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) and on the executive board of her sorority. In her free time Lily enjoys yoga, reading and time with family and friends.  

Liz Barroso and Lily Schaefer exemplify the spirit of the Iowa Sciences Academy, where students receive unparalleled support and opportunities to grow both academically and personally. Their stories highlight the transformative impact of the ISA on their educational journeys and future careers.