Damon Runyon Researchers

Isabella [National Mah Jongg League Scholar] was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, with a BS in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Business Administration. Her motivation to pursue cancer research stems from her own health struggles, which sparked a strong interest in human health and biology from an early age. Over time, that interest has evolved into a deep intellectual curiosity about the molecular mechanisms of cancer. During her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to work as a summer intern in the laboratory of Christina M. Termini, PhD, where she investigated how inhibiting isoprenoid production impacts hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance, expansion, and survival. Her ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to improving patient outcomes by developing safe, accessible, and effective cancer treatments. Outside the lab, she enjoys being outdoors, cooking, dancing, and spending quality time with her family.