Isabel Crisostomo

Isabel Crisostomo is an undergraduate senior at Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea taking up Biological Sciences.

Isabel’s research interests include neurophysiology, pathology of neurological disorders, and brain networks. She is currently working on brain-wide computer analyses to map individual neurons and their connections.

Fascinated with the human body, Isabel had anatomy books and models, and a real stethoscope at a young age. At nine, she had a brain surgery to remove a tumor pressing on her cerebellum and optic nerve. This moment taught her to cherish life and further strengthened her desire to serve others through neuroscience research. “There’s still a lot of stigma surrounding people suffering from neurological or mental disorders, which stems from a lack of understanding of these conditions” she added. For her, there is a need to view such conditions manifested by behavioral change as physiological diseases, which can be achieved by further investigating the interplay between molecular physiology and neuronal circuitry. “Our research can then in turn shape our clinical practices, science communication, and policy making to ensure that we provide patients with the best possible care and quality of life”.

Despite not having much laboratory experience, Isabel’s mentor during her sophomore years guided and allowed her to work independently – from reading papers, understanding concepts, to scheduling and conducting experiments. She received a lot of encouragement from her mentor, as well as inspiring stories of struggles and how to overcome them. “The independence she required of me helped me realize my limits, but she did not leave me to overcome them alone. Her constant guidance, trust, and encouragement helped me push past my limits and become the scientist I am today,” she explained.

Isabel started doing research in high school, but because she and her team did not have a mentor, they lacked direction in research projects. She only got to enjoy good mentorship when she transferred to Korea for high school and college, where her teachers and seniors helped her understand the logic of experimental designs, develop scientific thinking, and build up laboratory skills. She joined SIDHI in the hopes that Filipino high school students can likewise enjoy having good mentorship.

Since she is the eldest child in her family, she will take her sisterly 'tough love' and vibes into her mentoring approach. She will guide, teach, and correct my mentees as needed as they progress with their project, “But at the same time I am that 'ate' they can chat, play games, and joke around with!”

For young scientists, Isabel has a few questions for you – Why do you want to enter the field of science in the first place? Is it to satisfy your curiosity about the natural world? to help solve a problem the world is currently facing? to serve other people? She also emphasizes to not wrap themselves in a bubble – develop relationship with family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. “The road to becoming a scientist is a long, narrow one, and distractions such as personal problems, competition, or unprecedented circumstances will certainly arise. But knowing your reasons for choosing science and having people who keep you grounded on these reasons makes the journey worthwhile.”