Hello there! My name is Isabella Keller, and I am an upcoming sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh studying Materials Science and Engineering. I was born and raised in Etna, which is a township just outside of Pittsburgh (about 15 minutes away). Naturally, being from Pittsburgh all of my life, I have become a bit bored of the city life and love to escape to the countryside to get some fresh air and less light pollution. I played soccer in high-school, and basketball when I was little, so I love to play those sports with my friends on Soldier’s and Sailor’s lawn. Beyond that I love to play my guitar, hang out with my friends, cook, and hit the gym (on occasion). I have an older brother, an amazing father and stepmom, and two cats who support me on my college journey.

Academically, I have always found myself drawn to STEM, but more recently to Engineering specifically. I had a twisted journey of ending up as a Materials Science engineer, which I think may explain a little bit about me. I came into college set on Industrial Engineering because I am interested in finance (but only the kind that makes me money). I then switched to Mechanical Engineering because I like to build things but found out I have to take classes pertaining to liquids and solids, which I hate. I then remembered we have a major for all things solids and found my home in the small graduating class of 25 Materials Science students. Extracurricularly, I am interested in the Society of Women in Engineering, Material Advantage, and anything physics (but not anything with gases or liquids). I didn’t really get excited about engineering until I came to Swanson, but being here in its amazing atmosphere made me love it all the same.

This May, I will be attending the PLUS3 Netherlands abroad program! Since I was young, I have always wanted to see the world. I used to watch my favorite Youtuber’s go to Paris, Italy, and all the places I’ve dreamed of visiting, and wonder if someday I could do the same. My family has never been fortunate enough to go abroad, so I have never been in a different country, let alone different continent. But, when I came to Pitt, I finally knew that this was a possibility. I have always thought of going on a semester-long abroad program, but the long time away and homesickness is intimidating, which made the PLUS3 program extremely attractive. This program is the perfect introduction to studying abroad and will serve as the foundation for all of my traveling going forward. Furthermore, the subject of sustainability is extremely important to me, and something I have always been interested in. I am concerned about the health of the planet and constantly exploring ways to make my contributions to a better future. Seeing these remedies to the growing global warming problem in a large-scale engineering feat is going to be incredible. I am extremely grateful and excited about the upcoming program and cannot wait to examine real-life engineering solutions in a different country. Heil aan Pitt!