Isabel Rodriguez

Isabel is a Psychology major with a minor in Poverty Studies from El Paso, TX. She is both an AnBryce and a Questbridge Scholar. With a particular interest in forensic psychology, Isabel aims to bridge the gap between psychological research and its application to the legal system. She believes that research is a vital tool for understanding and treating mental health disorders and informing policies and practices that promote justice and equity. She hopes to attend graduate school to eventually earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology to explore how human behavior and social systems intersect. This is all with the goal of fostering evidence-based and compassionate solutions to systemic injustices that marginalized communities face in the US.

While at Notre Dame, Isabel discovered her passion for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, specifically students of color, low-income students, and first-generation students. She has accomplished this through joining student organizations like the Diversity Council, the Student Government, and the Student Senate. Beyond her leadership role, Isabel is committed to uplifting others by fostering meaningful connections, sharing resources, and mentoring peers. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of community and collaboration to drive social change.

During her Junior year, she spent a semester in Morocco as part of a Human Rights and Social Justice program. She visited NGOs and learned ways that Moroccan activists are fighting for equity in gender, racial, and economic arenas. It was fascinating to see this on a global scale and not the more local or national scale she had witnessed previously. 

She is excited for her senior year, especially being a parent in our intercohort families and being a TA for Prof. Butler's Inside Out Class. 

To keep up with Isabel’s achievements, connect with her via LinkedIn here. 

Awards

• Questbridge Scholar
• Summer Experience Award (SEA)

Study Abroad

• Rabbat, Morroco (Spring 2025)

Activities

• BRAVE Lab- University of Notre Dame, Research Assistant
• Mass Incarceration Research Lab- Researcher
• Diversity Council Residential Life Student Representative
• Volunteer- Dismas House of Indiana
• Inclusivity Chair 23/24- Howard Hall Executive Board
• Howard Hall Senator 23/24- Notre Dame Student Government
• First Generation Low Income Committee- Student Government

Experiences

• Mental Health Criminal Justice Lab, University of Texas at El Paso- Research Assistant
• ARCH Reentry Intern, NDBridge- Columbus, Ohio
• Office Assistant, Office of Community Standards
• Welcome Desk, LaFortune Student Center
• TA, Inside Out Course