Get to know Isabelle 

  • Major: Kinesiology and health, pre-health professions
  • Class: Senior
  • Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Career goal: Physician (M.D.)
  • Clubs/activities: CHS Ambassador, CHS Council, Mary Greeley Hospital Volunteer, Pre-Med Club, Biomechanics Lab Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • Awards/honors: Dean’s list, Global Scholars Award, Golden Key International Honor Society
  • Favorite place on campus: Periodicals in Parks Library
  • Most influential ISU mentor: James Lang
  • Favorite class: HS 350, Human Diseases
  • Why Iowa State: Access to cutting-edge research facilities

Isabelle Lim expands academic and personal horizons, creates home away from home at ISU

Isabelle Lim has always held a knack for problem solving; one of her favorite activities growing up was playing Sudoku. It was a multitude of experiences and activities like this that helped her realize she’d like to pursue medicine. 

“My interest in going on the pre-medicine path started when I realized that I enjoy problem solving,” Isabelle said. “I also found myself enjoying patient care when I volunteered at retirement homes and hospitals, as it ignited my desire to help people in a meaningful way.”

Coming to Iowa State University from Malaysia was an adjustment for Isabelle, but one that she made in stride. She originally planned on pursuing the medical side of the biochemistry major, but quickly realized that she wanted to explore a more humanistic approach to medicine. So, she made the switch to kinesiology. 

Determined to begin gaining hands-on experience right away, Isabelle became an undergraduate research assistant in the Biomechanics Laboratory under Jim Lang in January of 2019. 

Isabelle’s interest in cardio was sparked through the research she completed in the Biomechanics Lab on flow-mediated dilation. Cardio is one of two fields that have piqued Isabelle’s interest — that, and geriatric medicine.

“I have a soft spot for older adults, and I love having them tell me about their experiences,” Isabelle said.

Approaching the end of her journey here at Iowa State, Isabelle is ecstatic to begin her next step — medical school. She is currently looking at schools in both her home country of Malaysia and in Dublin, Ireland. The possibility to explore a new place and become exposed to new ideas thrills her, but she would also enjoy being reconnected with her home. 

Isabelle encourages other international students to join programs early on at Iowa State that will help connect them with other students. Through doing so herself, she has created her own family away from home — her Iowa State family. 

“This experience of a lifetime to study at Iowa State has opened my eyes to the world, and I am glad to have built connections and made really good friends here,” Isabelle said.