ASU graduate builds community for women in biochemistry
Isabella (Izzy) Montini is graduating this spring with honors from ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences with a bachelor's of science degree in biochemistry and a minor in gender, women, and sexuality studies. Photo courtesy Simran Singh
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
When Isabella (Izzy) Montini was a sophomore, they often found themselves staring down dense lecture slides and staying after class to make sense of it all with teaching assistants.
Biochemistry was challenging. But in the struggle, Montini realized they probably weren’t the only one feeling this way. And maybe that meant there was something they could do about it.
In 2023, Montini, who uses they/them pronouns, and fellow classmate Hailey Simmonds launched Women in Biochemistry, a student-led group aimed at building community, sharing resources, and creating a safe, inclusive space for students navigating the demanding major.
What began as an idea for a small study group has since grown into a vibrant community where students don’t just survive their coursework but thrive together.
"It’s evolved into a fun space to explore all that biochemistry can be,” Montini said. The student organization mixes meetings with activities, like exploring the science behind clothing dye and then tie-dying T-shirts, with bringing in speakers to talk to students about everything from scholarships to getting into grad school.
For Montini, who is graduating this spring with honors from ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences with a bachelor's of science degree in biochemistry and a minor in gender, women, and sexuality studies, their proudest growth came not just in the lab or lecture hall, but in learning who they are outside of the classroom.
That minor, they said, initially felt like a risk.
“I was nervous about it at first,” they admitted. “But I would not be who I am today if I hadn't taken those classes and learned about intersectionality, learned about feminism, learned about gender bias and all these different topics. I'm grateful for the humanities education that I have gained at ASU through adding on that minor.”
In a field where students often feel pressure to stack their schedules with the toughest science classes, Montini found clarity in carving a different path.
“In STEM, there’s this idea that everything you take has to build your resume,” they said. “But I think it’s just as important to take classes that help you become a better human being.”
As they look back on their time at ASU, Montini hopes others will take that to heart.
“I really want other people to know that your grades are important at the end of the day but what is more important is how you develop yourself,” they said. “Taking classes that are interesting to you is the best thing that you can do for yourself and it's okay to take a risk and do what is right for you.”
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I had this moment in the middle of my sophomore year of college. I didn't know what biochemistry was when I signed up for the degree. I came into college wanting to be pre-med and googled what people who are pre-med majored in, and biochemistry came up and I wanted to try it. But during the sophomore year of my studies, I was working as an emergency department scribe and realized that I was a lot more interested in how medicines and treatments worked at the molecular level than the act of treating patients.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: One of the things that really changed my perspective on learning is that frustration is an important part of the process. Learning is that space in between knowing and not knowing and that's inherently frustrating. ASU has taught me how to learn and how to embrace the discomfort of learning. I think that that's something that applies to every facet of my life.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I chose ASU because both of my parents went here, and my sister also went here. All four of us will have our bachelor’s degree from ASU. It was the obvious choice. I wanted to move away from home but not be too far and I knew that ASU had great programs.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson at ASU?
A: Dr. Alexandra Navrotsky has had a significant impact on me in my time at ASU. She has been my honors thesis director, and working in her lab she has taught me how to persevere through the ups and downs of research and she believed in me every step of the way. The dedication that she has to her field is truly inspiring to be a part of.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: I would tell them that their personal growth outside of school is just as important as your growth as a student. When you grow as a person and do things for yourself, pick up new hobbies, learn more bits about yourself, you're inherently going to become a better student, because you'll care more about what you're doing and find where your passions really lie.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: The Nobel Library. In between classes you can always catch me there. I probably cried in that library too many times. This year, I've also been enjoying the courtyard outside in the shade of the bottom floor of the Hayden Library. It's nice to get to be outside, it's really a nice area to study.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I'll be starting a PhD biochemistry and biophysics program in the fall at Oregon State University. My main goal is to be a professor. I feel very passionate about making STEM more accessible and at the end of the day I really would like to teach and inspire more individuals to get into chemistry and tell them that you can do this thing and it's not crazy.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would try to tackle the housing issue in the United States. I think $40 million is honestly not that much money to be able to tackle one specific problem, but affordable housing is something that everyone needs and deserves. I would dedicate that money to try to help with homelessness make sure that everyone has a place to sleep at night with shelter over their head.
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